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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Instant Psych Eval for Police Officer Candidates, July 24, 2009
I've done quite a few psych evals for police officers in my career as a psychologist. After reading SIGNAL 13, I have discovered a new evaluation tool. I would have all the candidates read SIGNAL 13 by S.Eric Briggs,and then, I would require an oral book report from the candidates--sort of a Rorschach for police work. Listening carefully to the reports, I would look for the capacity of the individual applicant to demonstrate some insight that without a constant mental health plan, any cop could become the tragic hero of SIGNAL 13.
Briggs grabs the art of writing a tragic novel by the throat and doesn't let up until the climax. Dalton, the hero and his "tiger,"-- the beast within each of us, the real villain that must be overcome daily by each and everyone of us-- fight it out until...
Kudos to author! It is now on my ever expanding shelf of crime fiction written by writers who have actually been there.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Powerful punches, poetic prose., July 21, 2009
As I read "Signal 13" I instinctively realized these two things: it's an authentic page-turner, and it summoned echoes of T.E. Lawrence's "Seven Pillars of Wisdom," his magnificant, autobiographical account of his adventures in Saudi Arabia. Like Lawrence, Eric Briggs mixes literary prose with the one-two punch of a Maryland State Trooper who has gone to Duke City with the bad guys, whether it's at a bar fight or during a frenzied search for a friend driven insane. I've worked the streets and I know that "Signal 13" walks the walk. It's tough, gritty and in-your-face--yet eloquent as the author shows us what happens to a cop's insides when he sees friends die. It's tough for an author to let himelf be seen naked this way, and taking that risk only adds to the story's authenticity. Fasten your seatbelts as Eric Briggs takes you on the ride of your life!
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Who knew?, June 30, 2009
When one sees the dreaded State Police cruiser in the rear view mirror, rarely do thoughts of the sensitive, even tortured psyches of the man (or woman) behind the wheel dominate one's thoughts. After reading this terrific book, my perspective of the individuals who patrol our roads and protect our lives changed dramatically. The author's muscular prose and lively use of language was stunning. Clearly S. Eric Briggs loved his former life, but understands the sad reality that a life spent in public service has enormous costs and, often, tragic results for the individuals willing to take on the mantle of protector of the innocent and scourge of the guilty.
Perhaps the most poignant aspect of this exciting and well-written book is the disillusionment that comes to Trooper Dalton at the end of his long career. This well drawn and actualized character draws the reader into a deeper understanding of the costs of a life of service, and shares an electrifying perspective of the forces that drive a brave man to the brink of disaster when his lofty goals meet the inevitable realization that his ideals are not always consistent with the goals of the organization in charge. The reader gets a sense of the despair Dalton feels when he finally understands he has given far more than can ever be repaid by society.
This book has it all, pathos, passion and humor, mixed in with remarkably powerful descriptive prose. Don't plan on putting it down anytime soon once you embark on this masterful book. Move over Nelson DeMille. There's a new sheriff... or perhaps I should say trooper, in town.
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