Blue Wolf Reviews

Tag: cop

  • Later

    Later

    The cover of Later looks like the front cover of a cheap novel or pot boiler of the 1950’s and ‘60’s, but the storyline is right out there with modern day  hard case pulp fiction, the words that of a master of the chiller thriller, Stephen King.

    Later is a word imbued with many meanings and in his case later is not at all what is expected, as the storyline starts out to be relatively innocuous: a crime, a cop, a single mother, her son and the cop that becomes her lover.

    So what is so horrifying about that? Plenty as it turns out in Stephen King’s latest short novel as the boy, Jamie Conklin has a special gift: an unnatural ability to see the spirit of the dead after their death and to be able to talk with them for a short time. Born with this gift all Jamie wants to be is a normal kid. He has learned to keep his ability a secret, but his mother can’t resist using to complete a manuscript by one of her bestselling clients, who died before it was finished.

    Liz Dutton, crooked cop and one time lover of Tia, Jamie’s Mother, realises his ‘gift ‘is for real and sets out to exploit it for all she is worth, but in doing so places them all in the most horrific danger, as one of the dead has no intention of doing what is normal and refuses to tell the truth; something the dead are required to do.

    Pure evil is unleashed with devastating effect and in the end it is bravery, honesty and courage that sees a gruesome end result. Told though the eyes of Jamie Conklin it is hard to place the book in either YA or adult fiction categories, but that is hardly relevant, as the storyline to Later is gripping, chilling and somewhat complex, but then so to can everyday life be the same.

  • Drugs, Guns & Lies My life as an undercover cop

    Drugs, Guns & Lies My life as an undercover cop

    Policing is difficult at the best of times; in Queensland in the 1980s and 1990s it was more so. It was both challenging and frustrating, as the police were dealing not only with villains in the community but also with criminals within their own ranks! In his book ‘Drugs, Guns & Lies’, one of Queensland’s most decorated police officers, Keith Banks exposes both the many short comings of this state’s policing and also the political corruption existing at this time.

    As an idealistic 18 year old Banks passed out of the Police Academy and was sworn in as a proud new policeman ready to help make the world a better place. Within a few years and little actual training, he became an undercover officer in the Drug Squad, traversing Queensland to outwit the dealers and keep drugs off the streets, thereby minimizing the harm to the population. Looking back, Banks now believes the undercover agents were just cannon fodder sent into the front line to integrate with criminal networks, buy drugs and organise busts for the more senior detectives to take the credit!

    This committed young policeman soon discovered that the 1980s in Queensland and its police force was a time of contradiction and ambiguity; there was little respect from the general public for the police. With Terry Lewis and his cronies at its head, there was statewide corruption; the author began to question the motivation and competence of some senior officers – he didn’t trust many policemen.

    Although, the Fitzgerald Inquiry exposed a high level of corruption, the author points out that there were many committed and honest police who diligently undertook their daily job and that it’s a great shame that post this inquiry, the general public had an even greater distrust of the police.

    True Crime readers will find this an interesting and compelling read as Banks gives the reader an insight into the day to day operations of the Drug Squad and its undercover agents. By reflecting on the policing procedures and practices of the 1980s and 1990s, he gives the reader a real understanding of the trauma and sacrifice which these agents made to do their job successfully.

  • The Dark Lake

    The Dark Lake

    The Dark Lake is a strong exemplar of how a well written murder/mystery should be produced. The novel is structured in such a way that information necessary for the reader, is always given at appropriate times. This leads to chapter headings such as “Now, Then, and… Chapter Twelve, Monday, 14 December, 7.32 am.” The reader feels drawn into the situation, and is always aware of the time frame.  This does not detract from the fluency of the story, as the past is revisited when pertinent.

     The main character is a detective, Gemma Woodstock, who lives in a small Australian country town. Although she is a complex character with issues, it is easy to understand how the practical, calculating logic of her position helps her keep unpleasant thoughts at bay. Her co- worker, Felix, has just joined their unit, and he and Gemma have developed a relationship. The female detective has a partner and a much adored son Ben about two years of age.

     Because she lives in a small town, most families are known to the policewoman, as she went to school with many of the locals. It is with great astonishment that Gemma hears that a woman whose class she was in has been found murdered. Rosalind, the victim, went to the local High School, went away to University, and had returned to teach English and Drama. She is as popular with the students as she is with the staff, and recognised for her great teaching. However, more is gradually revealed about the relationships that Rosalind had with her family and fellow students. Her brothers described her as manipulative, and certainly her beauty was no hindrance in persuading others to bend with her will.

     For a short time, we are lulled into the routine which police enquiry demands. Persons of interest are questioned; bit by bit small additions to information given start to appear. We are also drawn in to the Australian summer weather which sizzles and wears people down. The Australian touch is authentic and enjoyable.

     Gemma leaves work to pick up her son from day-care. She is told he has already been picked up by his grandmother. Gemma’s mother died when she was a child, and there is no other grandmother. The terror that grips her is accentuated by her reactions. She immediately contacts the Police Station, who sends all officers out to glean information. This has to be a warning of some kind, and distraught family and friends seek to help. This case has become very personal now, but rather than back off, Gemma is very determined to solve this puzzle and bring the perpetrator to justice. It is truly a battle of wits!

     The end of the story is satisfying and logical. The reader can see the motive clearly, and respond to the situation. The storyline is riveting, and the absence of overt violence and gore is welcome. This is a very difficult book to put down, once you have started to become enmeshed with the characters and their lives.