Customer Reviews

A Cop's Tale--NYPD: The Violent Years: A Detectives Firsthand Account of Murder and Mayhem (Barricade Crime)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book was entirely engrossing! I admit that I read quite often but it's not very common for me to read a book in two sittings - and with this book, it was almost impossible NOT to read it this fast.

As the synopsis tells you above, this book is about a brilliant, intelligent, and funny cop who dealt with some of New York's most viscous criminals during its most brutal time. What you get to explore in this book are the major busts, stories, and infamous experiences that the author had.

This is my first 'cop' book that I have ever read. If other cop books are out there that are half as good, this could easily become my new favorite genre.

An excellent, gripping nonfiction book about NYC police work during the dangerous 1960s and 1970s. The writing is good, the action fast-paced, and I quite literally could not put it down. The only red light that I raise is the language. This is rough. It is suitable to the situation and so does not reduce my rating, but I would not give the book to young people or to sensitive adults.

An extremely riveting and well written, Cop`s Tale is a must read for anyone who enjoys a good non-fiction crime novel. I have finished reading it only a week ago and I already want to pick it off my bookshelf and start anew.

I just finished this treatise and could not put it down. It's a true narrative of the times and situations. I too was assignd to the TPF during the 60's & 70's and although I never worked directly with Jim, we sure walked some of the same posts.

It's about a cop who worked in Brooklyn and Harlem during the most dangerous era -'60s and '70s. The way they describe the action and the way cops dealt with criminals is realistic and intense. The dialogue isn't exactly sugar-coated though, so if you don't like reading rough stuff it isn't for you. But some of the stories are hilarious, which breaks up the violence. I grew up in the city ('80s and '90s) and my parents watched a lot of movies from before I was born, and told me how different things were back then. A Cop's Tale made me feel like I was in a 1970s movie. All in all, it's fun to read and a real page-turner. If you have an interest in what it was like to be a cop in NYC at that time, I highly recommend it. Just one caveat - Don't give it to your Grandma.

This book is excellent! A wild ride from beginning to end. I am a cop and I was sorry when the book ended. It was that good. It made me want to go out and get some bad guys! A must read for everyone!

I lived in Brooklyn in the 60's and 70's and I can easily relate to the neighborhoods mentioned and the general atmosphere of crime and fear. The Author's style of writing makes you feel like - you ARE right there next to the cops - at the scene - hiding behind a pole for protection!
When you read this book you actually feel as though you ARE in Brooklyn, you ARE a cop, and you ARE trying to clean up the mess of crimes in New York!
I HIGHLY recommend . . .

Have read the book several times, and enjoyed it each time, love the old school cop attitude, not like todays cops, who have to worry about IA complaints, media attention, and lawsuits, A Cops Tale, tells it like it is from a street cops view during the busy busy years of a NYC Cop...........

An amazing book based on a true story, describes what it was like being a cop in the 60's and 70's in NYC. The author writes about his own personal experience and what he had been through. The author uses humor to describe some of his experiences. He also explains how passionate he felt about being a cop. After reading this book and understanding they danger NYC cops had to face I feel the highest respect for them. This is one the best nonfiction books ever written.

While some literary license was taken by the author it ia apparent this was done for clarification for non police readers. I entered the NYPD shortly after Sgt Oneil retired. The BLA was fading memory as the crack hey day was beginning. I am sure the author can find a buddy and write an equally good book.