|
Browse categories
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Forensic Science
|
Andrew R.W JacksonJulie M. Jackson;
;
|
|
Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
|
*Amazon: £32.09
|
|
 Customer Reviews
An invaluable resource, 29 Jan 2008
I have been using this book for the three years of my degree, originally buying the first edition then the second when it was published. This is an invaluable resource for 1st year Forensic Science students and the comprehensive introductory material provides good reading for any budding CSI. Throughout my degree I have returned to this book, either as a refresher for learned material or as an introduction to further reading. The content is accessible and I have found that reading this material prior to further reading gives you the background knowledge necessary to understand more detailed specific subject texts.
The second edition does contain useful new material, including birefringence of fibres and archaeology. There is a tremendous amount of good accessible information in here, I can highly recommend it.
Excellent, 20 Sep 2006
Andrew Jackson is one of the lecturers on my Forensic Science course at Uni, so it was no surprise to find this book was listed as a core text. I used it practically every day in my first year and now I'm starting my second year I imagine I'll still refer to it for useful information.
I've found it very helpful, interesting and not too complicated (while also not being patronising like some other books).
I would greatly recommend it to anyone who is fascinated by the subject, or for those who have a genuine interest in pursuing it beyond the boundaries of "just for pleasure".
Students, 19 Oct 2005
i am a currently a student doing a forensic science degree and i find this book very helpful! as it has all releivant information and is easy to read over all it is a very good book!.
Great book!, 26 Jun 2005
I bought this book as an aid for my Forensic Science degree course and it has been extremely helpful. It contains useful and informative sections on items such as DNA, footwear impressions analysis, explosives, fibres, court procedures etc. The illustrations are also good. I found the book easy to digest and understand, definately recommended, regardless of whether you are studying this as a subject or just want to know more about forensic science.
Forensic Science Textbook Review, 10 Aug 2004
This book provides information on a wide range of Forensic techniques and enables the reader to gain an understanding of the many areas associated with Forensic Science. The use of photographs, diagrams and charts clearly displays the most important facts and makes the more difficult topics more easily comprehensible. I recommend this text for anyone interested in this subject area.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Customer Reviews
An invaluable resource, 29 Jan 2008
I have been using this book for the three years of my degree, originally buying the first edition then the second when it was published. This is an invaluable resource for 1st year Forensic Science students and the comprehensive introductory material provides good reading for any budding CSI. Throughout my degree I have returned to this book, either as a refresher for learned material or as an introduction to further reading. The content is accessible and I have found that reading this material prior to further reading gives you the background knowledge necessary to understand more detailed specific subject texts.
The second edition does contain useful new material, including birefringence of fibres and archaeology. There is a tremendous amount of good accessible information in here, I can highly recommend it.
Excellent, 20 Sep 2006
Andrew Jackson is one of the lecturers on my Forensic Science course at Uni, so it was no surprise to find this book was listed as a core text. I used it practically every day in my first year and now I'm starting my second year I imagine I'll still refer to it for useful information.
I've found it very helpful, interesting and not too complicated (while also not being patronising like some other books).
I would greatly recommend it to anyone who is fascinated by the subject, or for those who have a genuine interest in pursuing it beyond the boundaries of "just for pleasure". Students, 19 Oct 2005
i am a currently a student doing a forensic science degree and i find this book very helpful! as it has all releivant information and is easy to read over all it is a very good book!. Great book!, 26 Jun 2005
I bought this book as an aid for my Forensic Science degree course and it has been extremely helpful. It contains useful and informative sections on items such as DNA, footwear impressions analysis, explosives, fibres, court procedures etc. The illustrations are also good. I found the book easy to digest and understand, definately recommended, regardless of whether you are studying this as a subject or just want to know more about forensic science. Forensic Science Textbook Review, 10 Aug 2004
This book provides information on a wide range of Forensic techniques and enables the reader to gain an understanding of the many areas associated with Forensic Science. The use of photographs, diagrams and charts clearly displays the most important facts and makes the more difficult topics more easily comprehensible. I recommend this text for anyone interested in this subject area. It's not like The Bill, 16 Aug 2008
This is an OK book to read on holiday - broken into a series of short chapters it's easy to pick up and put down after reading a few sides. In terms of content it's pretty superficial stuff. The 'insight' into criminal activity doesn't come until well over half way through, and if you are looking for a bit more depth there is better biographical material available e.g. Wensley Clarkson on Kenneth Noye and all the others. The picture you get of the Met. and police in general is not flattering and just confirms most people's opinion that this bunch of dinosaurs has been getting away with it without proper scrutiny for ever. The list of police blunders seems endless - (the most damning comment on the Lawrence Inquiry report that the police was riddled with institutional racism overshadowed the parallel observation that it is institutionally incompetent as well). The culture of fiddling expenses - drinking for England on and off duty, silly pranks, manipulating overtime car allowances and fiddling early retirement all seem to be accepted as part of the culture. Still, it's a dirty job and perhaps it's worth turning a blind eye. You just hope the police never get the opportunity to really get going with powers like some of the eastern European lot.
Solid view of life as a Met detective, 26 Jan 2006
This is the autobiography of a detective in London’s Met, detectives being known in certain circles as ‘the filth’. Like the author I spent some time in the Met, following the same route in via the Police Cadets although my career was much shorter and a lot less exciting. I mention this because the bits where I have similar experiences are absolutely spot on and spookily familiar, so I have few doubts about the accuracy of the rest of the book. I enjoyed this but it felt a little short. There is a great build up from the author’s childhood into the cadets and then into the Met mainstream where he eventually makes it to detective. Although he provides some interesting and honest views about life in ‘the filth’, this element of the book seems almost rushed and I am sure there was a lot more he could have told. Some readers may be shocked that the Police are not as pure as they may wish but I am sure that those same readers are glad that the thin blue line is also manned by intelligence and dedicated officers like Duncan MacLaughlin. Honest and interesting reading. An insight, 12 Mar 2005
A friend of mine was reading this book, and I read a chapter of it, and loved it. I bought it from amazon, who delivered it early...thanks! I finished the book in two sittings. The author lays the book out so it can be read easily, very easy flowing whilst providing the insight into one of the most elite police forces in the world, the Metropolitan. His story goes back to the pre-PACE world and shows the changes that came into effect from it. The book also shows the different attitudes that had to be adopted from political correctness, and also the rules and the stance that police officers had to take, sometimes even making the evidence fit. I enjoyed this book, my only drawback about this book is this, the author does a fantastic job about writing not only about his 20+ years in the force and an opener into his childhood, but his retirement and exit from the force is narrowed to just one page. This leaves the question to be asked, will there be a sequel? A must read. A REAL PAGE TURNER, 24 Jun 2003
This book was a very interesting insight into the world of policing pre PACE. The author also highlights the black humour which is what holds mean of the teams together in suck a demanding environment. I would have liked to have learnt more about the situation that caused the author to leave but I would only presum that he either does not want to tell or can't. It depicts perfectly the strain that is put on modern day crime fighters with the sophisication of modern criminals, the toll it has on their health and ultimatly their social life marriage etc
All in all a very good read and I hope that Mr Maclaughlin will finish the stories off......
Engrossing!, 29 Apr 2003
Duncan MacLaughlin brings us into his life with a whisper, and escorts us out of his life with a bang. Adopted soon after birth, he finds himself the son of a Royal Navy man. This military lifestyle gives young Duncan the opportunity to live in the world rather than the mews, experiencing other lands and cultures that contribute to his early moulding. His sense of adventure is evident in his early years, taking risks and pushing the envelope even as a young man.
Through his desire to follow in his father's footsteps and have a military career, MacLaughlin discovers his true passion: law enforcement. With a single-mindedness that is to be admired, he sets his sights on the CID (Criminal Investigation Department), also known as "The Filth." Working his way up the ladder in the Metropolitan Police, MacLaughlin learns the difference between the way it is done in the classroom, and the way it is done on the streets. His frustration is evident when he comes up against laws that were designed to protect the criminals and not the victims. This causes no psychomachia for the young police constable, who simply chooses to put those criminals in "the nick" by whatever means necessary, and rest knowing that he made his corner of the world a little safer that night.
The tension of the book elevates when MacLaughlin reaches the pinnacle of success with his entrance into the CID. He learns how to play the game, and does it with a ferocity and tenacity that brings admiration from the reader. Gutsy, earthy, and always with a sense of humour, MacLaughlin takes us into the underworld, where the line between the crime and the criminal is sometimes blurred. He leaves us by leaving Scotland Yard, but an epilogue assures the reader that this detective is still "on the case."
A riveting story by a fascinating author who is reputed to have solved the mystery that has plagued Scotland Yard for decades: The Lord Lucan disappearance.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Customer Reviews
An invaluable resource, 29 Jan 2008
I have been using this book for the three years of my degree, originally buying the first edition then the second when it was published. This is an invaluable resource for 1st year Forensic Science students and the comprehensive introductory material provides good reading for any budding CSI. Throughout my degree I have returned to this book, either as a refresher for learned material or as an introduction to further reading. The content is accessible and I have found that reading this material prior to further reading gives you the background knowledge necessary to understand more detailed specific subject texts.
The second edition does contain useful new material, including birefringence of fibres and archaeology. There is a tremendous amount of good accessible information in here, I can highly recommend it.
Excellent, 20 Sep 2006
Andrew Jackson is one of the lecturers on my Forensic Science course at Uni, so it was no surprise to find this book was listed as a core text. I used it practically every day in my first year and now I'm starting my second year I imagine I'll still refer to it for useful information.
I've found it very helpful, interesting and not too complicated (while also not being patronising like some other books).
I would greatly recommend it to anyone who is fascinated by the subject, or for those who have a genuine interest in pursuing it beyond the boundaries of "just for pleasure". Students, 19 Oct 2005
i am a currently a student doing a forensic science degree and i find this book very helpful! as it has all releivant information and is easy to read over all it is a very good book!. Great book!, 26 Jun 2005
I bought this book as an aid for my Forensic Science degree course and it has been extremely helpful. It contains useful and informative sections on items such as DNA, footwear impressions analysis, explosives, fibres, court procedures etc. The illustrations are also good. I found the book easy to digest and understand, definately recommended, regardless of whether you are studying this as a subject or just want to know more about forensic science. Forensic Science Textbook Review, 10 Aug 2004
This book provides information on a wide range of Forensic techniques and enables the reader to gain an understanding of the many areas associated with Forensic Science. The use of photographs, diagrams and charts clearly displays the most important facts and makes the more difficult topics more easily comprehensible. I recommend this text for anyone interested in this subject area. It's not like The Bill, 16 Aug 2008
This is an OK book to read on holiday - broken into a series of short chapters it's easy to pick up and put down after reading a few sides. In terms of content it's pretty superficial stuff. The 'insight' into criminal activity doesn't come until well over half way through, and if you are looking for a bit more depth there is better biographical material available e.g. Wensley Clarkson on Kenneth Noye and all the others. The picture you get of the Met. and police in general is not flattering and just confirms most people's opinion that this bunch of dinosaurs has been getting away with it without proper scrutiny for ever. The list of police blunders seems endless - (the most damning comment on the Lawrence Inquiry report that the police was riddled with institutional racism overshadowed the parallel observation that it is institutionally incompetent as well). The culture of fiddling expenses - drinking for England on and off duty, silly pranks, manipulating overtime car allowances and fiddling early retirement all seem to be accepted as part of the culture. Still, it's a dirty job and perhaps it's worth turning a blind eye. You just hope the police never get the opportunity to really get going with powers like some of the eastern European lot.
Solid view of life as a Met detective, 26 Jan 2006
This is the autobiography of a detective in London’s Met, detectives being known in certain circles as ‘the filth’. Like the author I spent some time in the Met, following the same route in via the Police Cadets although my career was much shorter and a lot less exciting. I mention this because the bits where I have similar experiences are absolutely spot on and spookily familiar, so I have few doubts about the accuracy of the rest of the book. I enjoyed this but it felt a little short. There is a great build up from the author’s childhood into the cadets and then into the Met mainstream where he eventually makes it to detective. Although he provides some interesting and honest views about life in ‘the filth’, this element of the book seems almost rushed and I am sure there was a lot more he could have told. Some readers may be shocked that the Police are not as pure as they may wish but I am sure that those same readers are glad that the thin blue line is also manned by intelligence and dedicated officers like Duncan MacLaughlin. Honest and interesting reading. An insight, 12 Mar 2005
A friend of mine was reading this book, and I read a chapter of it, and loved it. I bought it from amazon, who delivered it early...thanks! I finished the book in two sittings. The author lays the book out so it can be read easily, very easy flowing whilst providing the insight into one of the most elite police forces in the world, the Metropolitan. His story goes back to the pre-PACE world and shows the changes that came into effect from it. The book also shows the different attitudes that had to be adopted from political correctness, and also the rules and the stance that police officers had to take, sometimes even making the evidence fit. I enjoyed this book, my only drawback about this book is this, the author does a fantastic job about writing not only about his 20+ years in the force and an opener into his childhood, but his retirement and exit from the force is narrowed to just one page. This leaves the question to be asked, will there be a sequel? A must read. A REAL PAGE TURNER, 24 Jun 2003
This book was a very interesting insight into the world of policing pre PACE. The author also highlights the black humour which is what holds mean of the teams together in suck a demanding environment. I would have liked to have learnt more about the situation that caused the author to leave but I would only presum that he either does not want to tell or can't. It depicts perfectly the strain that is put on modern day crime fighters with the sophisication of modern criminals, the toll it has on their health and ultimatly their social life marriage etc
All in all a very good read and I hope that Mr Maclaughlin will finish the stories off......
Engrossing!, 29 Apr 2003
Duncan MacLaughlin brings us into his life with a whisper, and escorts us out of his life with a bang. Adopted soon after birth, he finds himself the son of a Royal Navy man. This military lifestyle gives young Duncan the opportunity to live in the world rather than the mews, experiencing other lands and cultures that contribute to his early moulding. His sense of adventure is evident in his early years, taking risks and pushing the envelope even as a young man.
Through his desire to follow in his father's footsteps and have a military career, MacLaughlin discovers his true passion: law enforcement. With a single-mindedness that is to be admired, he sets his sights on the CID (Criminal Investigation Department), also known as "The Filth." Working his way up the ladder in the Metropolitan Police, MacLaughlin learns the difference between the way it is done in the classroom, and the way it is done on the streets. His frustration is evident when he comes up against laws that were designed to protect the criminals and not the victims. This causes no psychomachia for the young police constable, who simply chooses to put those criminals in "the nick" by whatever means necessary, and rest knowing that he made his corner of the world a little safer that night.
The tension of the book elevates when MacLaughlin reaches the pinnacle of success with his entrance into the CID. He learns how to play the game, and does it with a ferocity and tenacity that brings admiration from the reader. Gutsy, earthy, and always with a sense of humour, MacLaughlin takes us into the underworld, where the line between the crime and the criminal is sometimes blurred. He leaves us by leaving Scotland Yard, but an epilogue assures the reader that this detective is still "on the case."
A riveting story by a fascinating author who is reputed to have solved the mystery that has plagued Scotland Yard for decades: The Lord Lucan disappearance.
unpickupable , 04 Jan 2009
This was quite hard going initially, I picked it up - read a bit, put it down, picked it up, forgot what I'd already read, etc, etc. It just wasn't gripping, in spite of what other reviewers say. It's all been seen before and said before. The anecdotes belong to the days of 'The Professionals' or 'Z Cars' I think probably it was just too accurate an unvarnished reflection of how mundane and low life most undercover work must be. I was really having to wade my way through until the last couple of chapters got intense, interesting and very real. A catalogue of bungles from the West Mids police setting up a drugs bust-including, astonishingly, leaving 'Property of the West Mids Police' wrappers on the drugs cash to be used in the scam that forms the crescendo - and the end of the careers of the two undercover policemen telling their stories. Bungle after bungle leads to their near murder. It won't be winning the Nobel prize for literature, it's just a cobbled together collection of reminiscences from a couple of brave blokes who never imagined getting their limbs shattered was all part of a day's work. It's an unpretentious read about what the undercover life is really like and just how amateur and seat of the pants it all is. God help us.I sincerely hope they both got massive payoffs anyway, people doing those sorts of jobs deserve every penny.
The Infiltrators, 03 Nov 2007
The first page in this book caught my attention immediately. It's written in a manner that takes you straight into the officers heads, and it's hard not to feel the stress, panic and excitement that they feel no matter what side of the thought track you lie on. If you're looking for an over-the-top cops and robbers shoot-em-up don't get this book. However if you want an insight into the realities of how undercover work happens then you have to get this. I loved the fact that some of the roads and locations in London are ones that I know or have heard of, and this is what makes it real.
Great Holiday Read, 30 Jul 2007
I loved this book, just fast paced enough to keep you wanting more and just detailed enough to show that these guys really lived the stories that they're telling. I liked the way that the two threads slowly converged to the final climax and thought that Philip and Martin did a great job of entertaining and informing. Well done guys, for the book but mostly for the service that you gave to all of us.
Cops Uncovered, 18 Jun 2007
This is a great factual read. It tells the true story of brave London detectives who went undercover to bust organised criminal gangs. For more of the same see the terrific novels The Face and Two-Faced by Garry Bushell which cover similar ground in a fictional setting with buckets of humour
Top marks, 12 Oct 2006
This book in brilliant, it brings to life the experiences of the author and is also believable (which seems to be lacking in similar books of this genre where the authors claim to have done things which appear to be blatant embellishments to sell books!)
My only criticism is that it is very difficult to put down and as such I got through it fairly quickly.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Customer Reviews
An invaluable resource, 29 Jan 2008
I have been using this book for the three years of my degree, originally buying the first edition then the second when it was published. This is an invaluable resource for 1st year Forensic Science students and the comprehensive introductory material provides good reading for any budding CSI. Throughout my degree I have returned to this book, either as a refresher for learned material or as an introduction to further reading. The content is accessible and I have found that reading this material prior to further reading gives you the background knowledge necessary to understand more detailed specific subject texts.
The second edition does contain useful new material, including birefringence of fibres and archaeology. There is a tremendous amount of good accessible information in here, I can highly recommend it.
Excellent, 20 Sep 2006
Andrew Jackson is one of the lecturers on my Forensic Science course at Uni, so it was no surprise to find this book was listed as a core text. I used it practically every day in my first year and now I'm starting my second year I imagine I'll still refer to it for useful information.
I've found it very helpful, interesting and not too complicated (while also not being patronising like some other books).
I would greatly recommend it to anyone who is fascinated by the subject, or for those who have a genuine interest in pursuing it beyond the boundaries of "just for pleasure". Students, 19 Oct 2005
i am a currently a student doing a forensic science degree and i find this book very helpful! as it has all releivant information and is easy to read over all it is a very good book!. Great book!, 26 Jun 2005
I bought this book as an aid for my Forensic Science degree course and it has been extremely helpful. It contains useful and informative sections on items such as DNA, footwear impressions analysis, explosives, fibres, court procedures etc. The illustrations are also good. I found the book easy to digest and understand, definately recommended, regardless of whether you are studying this as a subject or just want to know more about forensic science. Forensic Science Textbook Review, 10 Aug 2004
This book provides information on a wide range of Forensic techniques and enables the reader to gain an understanding of the many areas associated with Forensic Science. The use of photographs, diagrams and charts clearly displays the most important facts and makes the more difficult topics more easily comprehensible. I recommend this text for anyone interested in this subject area. It's not like The Bill, 16 Aug 2008
This is an OK book to read on holiday - broken into a series of short chapters it's easy to pick up and put down after reading a few sides. In terms of content it's pretty superficial stuff. The 'insight' into criminal activity doesn't come until well over half way through, and if you are looking for a bit more depth there is better biographical material available e.g. Wensley Clarkson on Kenneth Noye and all the others. The picture you get of the Met. and police in general is not flattering and just confirms most people's opinion that this bunch of dinosaurs has been getting away with it without proper scrutiny for ever. The list of police blunders seems endless - (the most damning comment on the Lawrence Inquiry report that the police was riddled with institutional racism overshadowed the parallel observation that it is institutionally incompetent as well). The culture of fiddling expenses - drinking for England on and off duty, silly pranks, manipulating overtime car allowances and fiddling early retirement all seem to be accepted as part of the culture. Still, it's a dirty job and perhaps it's worth turning a blind eye. You just hope the police never get the opportunity to really get going with powers like some of the eastern European lot.
Solid view of life as a Met detective, 26 Jan 2006
This is the autobiography of a detective in London’s Met, detectives being known in certain circles as ‘the filth’. Like the author I spent some time in the Met, following the same route in via the Police Cadets although my career was much shorter and a lot less exciting. I mention this because the bits where I have similar experiences are absolutely spot on and spookily familiar, so I have few doubts about the accuracy of the rest of the book. I enjoyed this but it felt a little short. There is a great build up from the author’s childhood into the cadets and then into the Met mainstream where he eventually makes it to detective. Although he provides some interesting and honest views about life in ‘the filth’, this element of the book seems almost rushed and I am sure there was a lot more he could have told. Some readers may be shocked that the Police are not as pure as they may wish but I am sure that those same readers are glad that the thin blue line is also manned by intelligence and dedicated officers like Duncan MacLaughlin. Honest and interesting reading. An insight, 12 Mar 2005
A friend of mine was reading this book, and I read a chapter of it, and loved it. I bought it from amazon, who delivered it early...thanks! I finished the book in two sittings. The author lays the book out so it can be read easily, very easy flowing whilst providing the insight into one of the most elite police forces in the world, the Metropolitan. His story goes back to the pre-PACE world and shows the changes that came into effect from it. The book also shows the different attitudes that had to be adopted from political correctness, and also the rules and the stance that police officers had to take, sometimes even making the evidence fit. I enjoyed this book, my only drawback about this book is this, the author does a fantastic job about writing not only about his 20+ years in the force and an opener into his childhood, but his retirement and exit from the force is narrowed to just one page. This leaves the question to be asked, will there be a sequel? A must read. A REAL PAGE TURNER, 24 Jun 2003
This book was a very interesting insight into the world of policing pre PACE. The author also highlights the black humour which is what holds mean of the teams together in suck a demanding environment. I would have liked to have learnt more about the situation that caused the author to leave but I would only presum that he either does not want to tell or can't. It depicts perfectly the strain that is put on modern day crime fighters with the sophisication of modern criminals, the toll it has on their health and ultimatly their social life marriage etc
All in all a very good read and I hope that Mr Maclaughlin will finish the stories off......
Engrossing!, 29 Apr 2003
Duncan MacLaughlin brings us into his life with a whisper, and escorts us out of his life with a bang. Adopted soon after birth, he finds himself the son of a Royal Navy man. This military lifestyle gives young Duncan the opportunity to live in the world rather than the mews, experiencing other lands and cultures that contribute to his early moulding. His sense of adventure is evident in his early years, taking risks and pushing the envelope even as a young man.
Through his desire to follow in his father's footsteps and have a military career, MacLaughlin discovers his true passion: law enforcement. With a single-mindedness that is to be admired, he sets his sights on the CID (Criminal Investigation Department), also known as "The Filth." Working his way up the ladder in the Metropolitan Police, MacLaughlin learns the difference between the way it is done in the classroom, and the way it is done on the streets. His frustration is evident when he comes up against laws that were designed to protect the criminals and not the victims. This causes no psychomachia for the young police constable, who simply chooses to put those criminals in "the nick" by whatever means necessary, and rest knowing that he made his corner of the world a little safer that night.
The tension of the book elevates when MacLaughlin reaches the pinnacle of success with his entrance into the CID. He learns how to play the game, and does it with a ferocity and tenacity that brings admiration from the reader. Gutsy, earthy, and always with a sense of humour, MacLaughlin takes us into the underworld, where the line between the crime and the criminal is sometimes blurred. He leaves us by leaving Scotland Yard, but an epilogue assures the reader that this detective is still "on the case."
A riveting story by a fascinating author who is reputed to have solved the mystery that has plagued Scotland Yard for decades: The Lord Lucan disappearance.
unpickupable , 04 Jan 2009
This was quite hard going initially, I picked it up - read a bit, put it down, picked it up, forgot what I'd already read, etc, etc. It just wasn't gripping, in spite of what other reviewers say. It's all been seen before and said before. The anecdotes belong to the days of 'The Professionals' or 'Z Cars' I think probably it was just too accurate an unvarnished reflection of how mundane and low life most undercover work must be. I was really having to wade my way through until the last couple of chapters got intense, interesting and very real. A catalogue of bungles from the West Mids police setting up a drugs bust-including, astonishingly, leaving 'Property of the West Mids Police' wrappers on the drugs cash to be used in the scam that forms the crescendo - and the end of the careers of the two undercover policemen telling their stories. Bungle after bungle leads to their near murder. It won't be winning the Nobel prize for literature, it's just a cobbled together collection of reminiscences from a couple of brave blokes who never imagined getting their limbs shattered was all part of a day's work. It's an unpretentious read about what the undercover life is really like and just how amateur and seat of the pants it all is. God help us.I sincerely hope they both got massive payoffs anyway, people doing those sorts of jobs deserve every penny.
The Infiltrators, 03 Nov 2007
The first page in this book caught my attention immediately. It's written in a manner that takes you straight into the officers heads, and it's hard not to feel the stress, panic and excitement that they feel no matter what side of the thought track you lie on. If you're looking for an over-the-top cops and robbers shoot-em-up don't get this book. However if you want an insight into the realities of how undercover work happens then you have to get this. I loved the fact that some of the roads and locations in London are ones that I know or have heard of, and this is what makes it real.
Great Holiday Read, 30 Jul 2007
I loved this book, just fast paced enough to keep you wanting more and just detailed enough to show that these guys really lived the stories that they're telling. I liked the way that the two threads slowly converged to the final climax and thought that Philip and Martin did a great job of entertaining and informing. Well done guys, for the book but mostly for the service that you gave to all of us.
Cops Uncovered, 18 Jun 2007
This is a great factual read. It tells the true story of brave London detectives who went undercover to bust organised criminal gangs. For more of the same see the terrific novels The Face and Two-Faced by Garry Bushell which cover similar ground in a fictional setting with buckets of humour
Top marks, 12 Oct 2006
This book in brilliant, it brings to life the experiences of the author and is also believable (which seems to be lacking in similar books of this genre where the authors claim to have done things which appear to be blatant embellishments to sell books!)
My only criticism is that it is very difficult to put down and as such I got through it fairly quickly.
read this book, 08 Aug 2007
I found out about this book quite by chance, when a friend asked me to go to a reading by the author at Waterstones. I thought I should buy it so I would have a clue what it was all about. I am really glad I did. The book is not an easy read, but a fascinating one. It is a cliche I know, but I really couldn't put it down. It is much much more than a tale about one man, David Oluwale. Kester Aspden has provided an incredibly detailed social history of policing in general, and the city of Leeds in particular. I have recommended "nationality wog" to everyone I know. This is a story that really should be heard.
David Oluwale- neglected by society in 1960's Britain, 10 Jul 2007
I have just finished reading this book and it is one of those books where you just can't put it down, and there were some very difficult parts in this book about the brutality that David Oluwale received at the hands of the police and authorities that even today asylum seekers are recieving the same kind of brutality and bad treatment from different types of organisations. The years of David Oluwale's life as a homeless vagrant was the most brutal, being bullied and hounded as the title of the book says by a supposed 'law enforcing' organisation. His death was caused through blatant racism whether people chooose to admit that or not, as at the time of his death in 1969 it was a year after Enoch Powell's 'rivers of blood' speech so tolerance for immigrants was non existant back then.
This was a story that definately needed to be told. this is definately a story of a person who is a part of our history here in Britain.
Miserable misplaced people., 13 Jun 2007
"leave David to me " or words to that effect struck me in the book.They are spoken by one of the two police officers convicted of assaults on David Oluwale. The use of this mans first name is incongruous given his inhumane treatment by these officers and give a glimpse of what might have been a more indepth relationship between these officers and Oluwale than one of bully and victim.
This book is not an attack on the police or other Criminal Justice agencies and public bodies,nor is it pre occupied with institutional racism.It is an account of an immigrants life in Leeds in the context of a changing police force and a changing city.The police officer Kitchin and Ellerker have become dinosaurs in the force and they know it and one has a sense of their growing sense of inadequacy and powerlessness in a changing job and city.They exert their pathetic power and control over Oluwale.
We are left with some sympathy for the officers as Aspden gives powerful accounts of their personalities and backgrounds and the lonely death of Kitchen.
That Oluwale passes through the hands of other Institutions and Authorities and no help is seemingly given is not surprising given the historical context of the book but it leads the reader to ask if much has changed since.The vulnerable and dangerous still fall through loopholes and safety nets today as revealed by subsequent enquiries into preventable murders and deaths.
Nationality Wog is so thoroughly reserached and touches on so many institutions and individuals in order to put the story into as wide a context as possible that one wonders how Aspden manages to bring all the threads together.He does achieve this and the book culminates thankfully not in a dull account of the trial of the police officers but in a skillful account of the best bits of the court scene and lovely portrayals of the QC's in the case.
The detail in the book will delight anyone familiar with Leeds from descriptions of the shop door ways where Oluwale slept and received his beatings to the position of Leeds United at the time and an account of their black players.
The book has been described as brave and it is right from its almost shocking title to the authors attempt to speak to Ellerker in his driveway.
EK.York
June2007
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Product Description
In 1997, Martin McGartland ruffled a few feathers with Fifty Dead Men Walking, a Bravo Two Zero style account of his life as a Special Branch undercover agent working inside the IRA. The book included various operations that McGartland managed to thwart, a few that he didn't, and culminated in his escape from an IRA punishment squad by throwing himself through a second-floor window, but its chief virtue was to expose the hierarchy of the IRA as being driven by petty-minded viciousness and criminality rather than political idealism. McGartland was no doubt expecting that that was going to pretty much be that as far as books were concerned, and that he could go back to rebuilding a life under an assumed name in northern England. Instead, we have Dead Man Running which, while less sensational and gung-ho than its predecessor, is an altogether darker and more disturbing read. Dead Man Running begins with a phone call from one of McGartland's former Special Branch handlers in Northern Ireland, who tells him that MI5 had actually conspired with the IRA to get McGartland killed and were very annoyed that he had managed to escape. If this has all the hallmarks of a paranoid conspiracy theory, then one can't deny that McGartland is a very convincing conspiracist. He tells of the reluctance of Special Branch to provide adequate protection and how the Northumberland police constantly harassed him-- even though they knew who he was--until he was forced to break his cover in open court, thereby making him an easy target for the IRA death squads, in order to clear his name of criminal charges. But Dead Man Running is more than one man's search for the truth. It is also a fascinating insight into the murky world of Irish politics. We have all heard the gruesome details of the punishment beatings, but McGartland lifts the lid on the compromises that the establishment is prepared to make to reach a settlement with the terrorists. It is a world where people mean nothing and appearance is all, and it leaves you wondering whether a peace at any price is a peace worth having and whether the Good Friday Agreement is worth the paper it's written on. --John Crace
Customer Reviews
An invaluable resource, 29 Jan 2008
I have been using this book for the three years of my degree, originally buying the first edition then the second when it was published. This is an invaluable resource for 1st year Forensic Science students and the comprehensive introductory material provides good reading for any budding CSI. Throughout my degree I have returned to this book, either as a refresher for learned material or as an introduction to further reading. The content is accessible and I have found that reading this material prior to further reading gives you the background knowledge necessary to understand more detailed specific subject texts.
The second edition does contain useful new material, including birefringence of fibres and archaeology. There is a tremendous amount of good accessible information in here, I can highly recommend it.
Excellent, 20 Sep 2006
Andrew Jackson is one of the lecturers on my Forensic Science course at Uni, so it was no surprise to find this book was listed as a core text. I used it practically every day in my first year and now I'm starting my second year I imagine I'll still refer to it for useful information.
I've found it very helpful, interesting and not too complicated (while also not being patronising like some other books).
I would greatly recommend it to anyone who is fascinated by the subject, or for those who have a genuine interest in pursuing it beyond the boundaries of "just for pleasure". Students, 19 Oct 2005
i am a currently a student doing a forensic science degree and i find this book very helpful! as it has all releivant information and is easy to read over all it is a very good book!. Great book!, 26 Jun 2005
I bought this book as an aid for my Forensic Science degree course and it has been extremely helpful. It contains useful and informative sections on items such as DNA, footwear impressions analysis, explosives, fibres, court procedures etc. The illustrations are also good. I found the book easy to digest and understand, definately recommended, regardless of whether you are studying this as a subject or just want to know more about forensic science. Forensic Science Textbook Review, 10 Aug 2004
This book provides information on a wide range of Forensic techniques and enables the reader to gain an understanding of the many areas associated with Forensic Science. The use of photographs, diagrams and charts clearly displays the most important facts and makes the more difficult topics more easily comprehensible. I recommend this text for anyone interested in this subject area. It's not like The Bill, 16 Aug 2008
This is an OK book to read on holiday - broken into a series of short chapters it's easy to pick up and put down after reading a few sides. In terms of content it's pretty superficial stuff. The 'insight' into criminal activity doesn't come until well over half way through, and if you are looking for a bit more depth there is better biographical material available e.g. Wensley Clarkson on Kenneth Noye and all the others. The picture you get of the Met. and police in general is not flattering and just confirms most people's opinion that this bunch of dinosaurs has been getting away with it without proper scrutiny for ever. The list of police blunders seems endless - (the most damning comment on the Lawrence Inquiry report that the police was riddled with institutional racism overshadowed the parallel observation that it is institutionally incompetent as well). The culture of fiddling expenses - drinking for England on and off duty, silly pranks, manipulating overtime car allowances and fiddling early retirement all seem to be accepted as part of the culture. Still, it's a dirty job and perhaps it's worth turning a blind eye. You just hope the police never get the opportunity to really get going with powers like some of the eastern European lot.
Solid view of life as a Met detective, 26 Jan 2006
This is the autobiography of a detective in London’s Met, detectives being known in certain circles as ‘the filth’. Like the author I spent some time in the Met, following the same route in via the Police Cadets although my career was much shorter and a lot less exciting. I mention this because the bits where I have similar experiences are absolutely spot on and spookily familiar, so I have few doubts about the accuracy of the rest of the book. I enjoyed this but it felt a little short. There is a great build up from the author’s childhood into the cadets and then into the Met mainstream where he eventually makes it to detective. Although he provides some interesting and honest views about life in ‘the filth’, this element of the book seems almost rushed and I am sure there was a lot more he could have told. Some readers may be shocked that the Police are not as pure as they may wish but I am sure that those same readers are glad that the thin blue line is also manned by intelligence and dedicated officers like Duncan MacLaughlin. Honest and interesting reading. An insight, 12 Mar 2005
A friend of mine was reading this book, and I read a chapter of it, and loved it. I bought it from amazon, who delivered it early...thanks! I finished the book in two sittings. The author lays the book out so it can be read easily, very easy flowing whilst providing the insight into one of the most elite police forces in the world, the Metropolitan. His story goes back to the pre-PACE world and shows the changes that came into effect from it. The book also shows the different attitudes that had to be adopted from political correctness, and also the rules and the stance that police officers had to take, sometimes even making the evidence fit. I enjoyed this book, my only drawback about this book is this, the author does a fantastic job about writing not only about his 20+ years in the force and an opener into his childhood, but his retirement and exit from the force is narrowed to just one page. This leaves the question to be asked, will there be a sequel? A must read. A REAL PAGE TURNER, 24 Jun 2003
This book was a very interesting insight into the world of policing pre PACE. The author also highlights the black humour which is what holds mean of the teams together in suck a demanding environment. I would have liked to have learnt more about the situation that caused the author to leave but I would only presum that he either does not want to tell or can't. It depicts perfectly the strain that is put on modern day crime fighters with the sophisication of modern criminals, the toll it has on their health and ultimatly their social life marriage etc
All in all a very good read and I hope that Mr Maclaughlin will finish the stories off......
Engrossing!, 29 Apr 2003
Duncan MacLaughlin brings us into his life with a whisper, and escorts us out of his life with a bang. Adopted soon after birth, he finds himself the son of a Royal Navy man. This military lifestyle gives young Duncan the opportunity to live in the world rather than the mews, experiencing other lands and cultures that contribute to his early moulding. His sense of adventure is evident in his early years, taking risks and pushing the envelope even as a young man.
Through his desire to follow in his father's footsteps and have a military career, MacLaughlin discovers his true passion: law enforcement. With a single-mindedness that is to be admired, he sets his sights on the CID (Criminal Investigation Department), also known as "The Filth." Working his way up the ladder in the Metropolitan Police, MacLaughlin learns the difference between the way it is done in the classroom, and the way it is done on the streets. His frustration is evident when he comes up against laws that were designed to protect the criminals and not the victims. This causes no psychomachia for the young police constable, who simply chooses to put those criminals in "the nick" by whatever means necessary, and rest knowing that he made his corner of the world a little safer that night.
The tension of the book elevates when MacLaughlin reaches the pinnacle of success with his entrance into the CID. He learns how to play the game, and does it with a ferocity and tenacity that brings admiration from the reader. Gutsy, earthy, and always with a sense of humour, MacLaughlin takes us into the underworld, where the line between the crime and the criminal is sometimes blurred. He leaves us by leaving Scotland Yard, but an epilogue assures the reader that this detective is still "on the case."
A riveting story by a fascinating author who is reputed to have solved the mystery that has plagued Scotland Yard for decades: The Lord Lucan disappearance.
unpickupable , 04 Jan 2009
This was quite hard going initially, I picked it up - read a bit, put it down, picked it up, forgot what I'd already read, etc, etc. It just wasn't gripping, in spite of what other reviewers say. It's all been seen before and said before. The anecdotes belong to the days of 'The Professionals' or 'Z Cars' I think probably it was just too accurate an unvarnished reflection of how mundane and low life most undercover work must be. I was really having to wade my way through until the last couple of chapters got intense, interesting and very real. A catalogue of bungles from the West Mids police setting up a drugs bust-including, astonishingly, leaving 'Property of the West Mids Police' wrappers on the drugs cash to be used in the scam that forms the crescendo - and the end of the careers of the two undercover policemen telling their stories. Bungle after bungle leads to their near murder. It won't be winning the Nobel prize for literature, it's just a cobbled together collection of reminiscences from a couple of brave blokes who never imagined getting their limbs shattered was all part of a day's work. It's an unpretentious read about what the undercover life is really like and just how amateur and seat of the pants it all is. God help us.I sincerely hope they both got massive payoffs anyway, people doing those sorts of jobs deserve every penny.
The Infiltrators, 03 Nov 2007
The first page in this book caught my attention immediately. It's written in a manner that takes you straight into the officers heads, and it's hard not to feel the stress, panic and excitement that they feel no matter what side of the thought track you lie on. If you're looking for an over-the-top cops and robbers shoot-em-up don't get this book. However if you want an insight into the realities of how undercover work happens then you have to get this. I loved the fact that some of the roads and locations in London are ones that I know or have heard of, and this is what makes it real.
Great Holiday Read, 30 Jul 2007
I loved this book, just fast paced enough to keep you wanting more and just detailed enough to show that these guys really lived the stories that they're telling. I liked the way that the two threads slowly converged to the final climax and thought that Philip and Martin did a great job of entertaining and informing. Well done guys, for the book but mostly for the service that you gave to all of us.
Cops Uncovered, 18 Jun 2007
This is a great factual read. It tells the true story of brave London detectives who went undercover to bust organised criminal gangs. For more of the same see the terrific novels The Face and Two-Faced by Garry Bushell which cover similar ground in a fictional setting with buckets of humour
Top marks, 12 Oct 2006
This book in brilliant, it brings to life the experiences of the author and is also believable (which seems to be lacking in similar books of this genre where the authors claim to have done things which appear to be blatant embellishments to sell books!)
My only criticism is that it is very difficult to put down and as such I got through it fairly quickly.
read this book, 08 Aug 2007
I found out about this book quite by chance, when a friend asked me to go to a reading by the author at Waterstones. I thought I should buy it so I would have a clue what it was all about. I am really glad I did. The book is not an easy read, but a fascinating one. It is a cliche I know, but I really couldn't put it down. It is much much more than a tale about one man, David Oluwale. Kester Aspden has provided an incredibly detailed social history of policing in general, and the city of Leeds in particular. I have recommended "nationality wog" to everyone I know. This is a story that really should be heard.
David Oluwale- neglected by society in 1960's Britain, 10 Jul 2007
I have just finished reading this book and it is one of those books where you just can't put it down, and there were some very difficult parts in this book about the brutality that David Oluwale received at the hands of the police and authorities that even today asylum seekers are recieving the same kind of brutality and bad treatment from different types of organisations. The years of David Oluwale's life as a homeless vagrant was the most brutal, being bullied and hounded as the title of the book says by a supposed 'law enforcing' organisation. His death was caused through blatant racism whether people chooose to admit that or not, as at the time of his death in 1969 it was a year after Enoch Powell's 'rivers of blood' speech so tolerance for immigrants was non existant back then.
This was a story that definately needed to be told. this is definately a story of a person who is a part of our history here in Britain.
Miserable misplaced people., 13 Jun 2007
"leave David to me " or words to that effect struck me in the book.They are spoken by one of the two police officers convicted of assaults on David Oluwale. The use of this mans first name is incongruous given his inhumane treatment by these officers and give a glimpse of what might have been a more indepth relationship between these officers and Oluwale than one of bully and victim.
This book is not an attack on the police or other Criminal Justice agencies and public bodies,nor is it pre occupied with institutional racism.It is an account of an immigrants life in Leeds in the context of a changing police force and a changing city.The police officer Kitchin and Ellerker have become dinosaurs in the force and they know it and one has a sense of their growing sense of inadequacy and powerlessness in a changing job and city.They exert their pathetic power and control over Oluwale.
We are left with some sympathy for the officers as Aspden gives powerful accounts of their personalities and backgrounds and the lonely death of Kitchen.
That Oluwale passes through the hands of other Institutions and Authorities and no help is seemingly given is not surprising given the historical context of the book but it leads the reader to ask if much has changed since.The vulnerable and dangerous still fall through loopholes and safety nets today as revealed by subsequent enquiries into preventable murders and deaths.
Nationality Wog is so thoroughly reserached and touches on so many institutions and individuals in order to put the story into as wide a context as possible that one wonders how Aspden manages to bring all the threads together.He does achieve this and the book culminates thankfully not in a dull account of the trial of the police officers but in a skillful account of the best bits of the court scene and lovely portrayals of the QC's in the case.
The detail in the book will delight anyone familiar with Leeds from descriptions of the shop door ways where Oluwale slept and received his beatings to the position of Leeds United at the time and an account of their black players.
The book has been described as brave and it is right from its almost shocking title to the authors attempt to speak to Ellerker in his driveway.
EK.York
June2007
Dead man running, 07 Sep 2006
There were some really interesting stories in the book, but it was spoilt by the fact that Martin McGartland repeated things over and over again. This book could really have been 10 pages shorter. Not a book I would want to read twice. A poor follow up to the first book, Fifty Dead Men Walking.
Excellent account of underhand treachery by the Crown, 06 Mar 2004
Given the appalling treatment Marin has received it is no wonder the book turned out like it did. The book describes the underhand and frankly disgusting way in which he has been deserted by the security services. I personally found Dead Man Running frank, open and difficult to put down. Having explored every other opportunity to get justice perhaps this is the only way Martin is able to vent his obvious anger. It makes you wonder how many of the reviews below are actually written to discredit the author even further. Martin take comfort in the fact that there are still some good people in the world who value the tremendous work you have done.
Boring and tedious, 28 Jul 2003
I can only give this book one star, it is so boring and tedious. Without doubt, Martin McGartland has been a victim of some pretty unscrupulous behaviour from the British authorities. However, he comes a across as being a professional 'claimer', poor old me type of person.He seems to have forgotten how he became an informer in the first place, and he readily took the money on offer. He tries to portray himslef as heroic whereas one could say he was a traitor who took the cash. The book is very very repetitive. Whilst he complains of not being given enough money as compensation, he forgets to mention all the money he was paid by Special Branch while acting as an informer. I wonder also how much he got from his first book, and this one too?
Disappointing follow up to excellent first effort, 08 Mar 2001
Hmmm, maybe I am a bit jaded these days with all the different titles covering aspects of the British/Irish struggle, however, I get the impression that MM wrote this book purely based on the success of his first. OK, so he has been having a bad time of it, but was there really enough basis for a book here? most of it was already said in his first book, and this is reflected in the number of recaps given throughout. I was expecting a really gritty book revealing a bit more about the involvement of MI5 in his kidnap and subsequent persecution , but all I got was speculation and guesswork rather than hard fact. All in all gross exploitation of a subject matter of which he should know better...
An important book for a greater knowledge of the N.Ireland, 24 Dec 2000
The story Martin McGartland tells is truly horrowing. With the authorities coming over very badly especially Jack Straw who seemed to Blindly ignore Martins predicament, and the Northumbria Police who faired even worse and if Martin is to be believed acted disgracefully. This book tends to over tell parts of Martins life and his trip back to Northern Ireland isn't what this books about but rather the courage of this man and the upuling way the MI5 and others were keen to do the utmost to make his life a misery or even end it
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Customer Reviews
An invaluable resource, 29 Jan 2008
I have been using this book for the three years of my degree, originally buying the first edition then the second when it was published. This is an invaluable resource for 1st year Forensic Science students and the comprehensive introductory material provides good reading for any budding CSI. Throughout my degree I have returned to this book, either as a refresher for learned material or as an introduction to further reading. The content is accessible and I have found that reading this material prior to further reading gives you the background knowledge necessary to understand more detailed specific subject texts.
The second edition does contain useful new material, including birefringence of fibres and archaeology. There is a tremendous amount of good accessible information in here, I can highly recommend it.
Excellent, 20 Sep 2006
Andrew Jackson is one of the lecturers on my Forensic Science course at Uni, so it was no surprise to find this book was listed as a core text. I used it practically every day in my first year and now I'm starting my second year I imagine I'll still refer to it for useful information.
I've found it very helpful, interesting and not too complicated (while also not being patronising like some other books).
I would greatly recommend it to anyone who is fascinated by the subject, or for those who have a genuine interest in pursuing it beyond the boundaries of "just for pleasure". Students, 19 Oct 2005
i am a currently a student doing a forensic science degree and i find this book very helpful! as it has all releivant information and is easy to read over all it is a very good book!. Great book!, 26 Jun 2005
I bought this book as an aid for my Forensic Science degree course and it has been extremely helpful. It contains useful and informative sections on items such as DNA, footwear impressions analysis, explosives, fibres, court procedures etc. The illustrations are also good. I found the book easy to digest and understand, definately recommended, regardless of whether you are studying this as a subject or just want to know more about forensic science. Forensic Science Textbook Review, 10 Aug 2004
This book provides information on a wide range of Forensic techniques and enables the reader to gain an understanding of the many areas associated with Forensic Science. The use of photographs, diagrams and charts clearly displays the most important facts and makes the more difficult topics more easily comprehensible. I recommend this text for anyone interested in this subject area. It's not like The Bill, 16 Aug 2008
This is an OK book to read on holiday - broken into a series of short chapters it's easy to pick up and put down after reading a few sides. In terms of content it's pretty superficial stuff. The 'insight' into criminal activity doesn't come until well over half way through, and if you are looking for a bit more depth there is better biographical material available e.g. Wensley Clarkson on Kenneth Noye and all the others. The picture you get of the Met. and police in general is not flattering and just confirms most people's opinion that this bunch of dinosaurs has been getting away with it without proper scrutiny for ever. The list of police blunders seems endless - (the most damning comment on the Lawrence Inquiry report that the police was riddled with institutional racism overshadowed the parallel observation that it is institutionally incompetent as well). The culture of fiddling expenses - drinking for England on and off duty, silly pranks, manipulating overtime car allowances and fiddling early retirement all seem to be accepted as part of the culture. Still, it's a dirty job and perhaps it's worth turning a blind eye. You just hope the police never get the opportunity to really get going with powers like some of the eastern European lot.
Solid view of life as a Met detective, 26 Jan 2006
This is the autobiography of a detective in London’s Met, detectives being known in certain circles as ‘the filth’. Like the author I spent some time in the Met, following the same route in via the Police Cadets although my career was much shorter and a lot less exciting. I mention this because the bits where I have similar experiences are absolutely spot on and spookily familiar, so I have few doubts about the accuracy of the rest of the book. I enjoyed this but it felt a little short. There is a great build up from the author’s childhood into the cadets and then into the Met mainstream where he eventually makes it to detective. Although he provides some interesting and honest views about life in ‘the filth’, this element of the book seems almost rushed and I am sure there was a lot more he could have told. Some readers may be shocked that the Police are not as pure as they may wish but I am sure that those same readers are glad that the thin blue line is also manned by intelligence and dedicated officers like Duncan MacLaughlin. Honest and interesting reading. An insight, 12 Mar 2005
A friend of mine was reading this book, and I read a chapter of it, and loved it. I bought it from amazon, who delivered it early...thanks! I finished the book in two sittings. The author lays the book out so it can be read easily, very easy flowing whilst providing the insight into one of the most elite police forces in the world, the Metropolitan. His story goes back to the pre-PACE world and shows the changes that came into effect from it. The book also shows the different attitudes that had to be adopted from political correctness, and also the rules and the stance that police officers had to take, sometimes even making the evidence fit. I enjoyed this book, my only drawback about this book is this, the author does a fantastic job about writing not only about his 20+ years in the force and an opener into his childhood, but his retirement and exit from the force is narrowed to just one page. This leaves the question to be asked, will there be a sequel? A must read. A REAL PAGE TURNER, 24 Jun 2003
This book was a very interesting insight into the world of policing pre PACE. The author also highlights the black humour which is what holds mean of the teams together in suck a demanding environment. I would have liked to have learnt more about the situation that caused the author to leave but I would only presum that he either does not want to tell or can't. It depicts perfectly the strain that is put on modern day crime fighters with the sophisication of modern criminals, the toll it has on their health and ultimatly their social life marriage etc
All in all a very good read and I hope that Mr Maclaughlin will finish the stories off......
Engrossing!, 29 Apr 2003
Duncan MacLaughlin brings us into his life with a whisper, and escorts us out of his life with a bang. Adopted soon after birth, he finds himself the son of a Royal Navy man. This military lifestyle gives young Duncan the opportunity to live in the world rather than the mews, experiencing other lands and cultures that contribute to his early moulding. His sense of adventure is evident in his early years, taking risks and pushing the envelope even as a young man.
Through his desire to follow in his father's footsteps and have a military career, MacLaughlin discovers his true passion: law enforcement. With a single-mindedness that is to be admired, he sets his sights on the CID (Criminal Investigation Department), also known as "The Filth." Working his way up the ladder in the Metropolitan Police, MacLaughlin learns the difference between the way it is done in the classroom, and the way it is done on the streets. His frustration is evident when he comes up against laws that were designed to protect the criminals and not the victims. This causes no psychomachia for the young police constable, who simply chooses to put those criminals in "the nick" by whatever means necessary, and rest knowing that he made his corner of the world a little safer that night.
The tension of the book elevates when MacLaughlin reaches the pinnacle of success with his entrance into the CID. He learns how to play the game, and does it with a ferocity and tenacity that brings admiration from the reader. Gutsy, earthy, and always with a sense of humour, MacLaughlin takes us into the underworld, where the line between the crime and the criminal is sometimes blurred. He leaves us by leaving Scotland Yard, but an epilogue assures the reader that this detective is still "on the case."
A riveting story by a fascinating author who is reputed to have solved the mystery that has plagued Scotland Yard for decades: The Lord Lucan disappearance.
unpickupable , 04 Jan 2009
This was quite hard going initially, I picked it up - read a bit, put it down, picked it up, forgot what I'd already read, etc, etc. It just wasn't gripping, in spite of what other reviewers say. It's all been seen before and said before. The anecdotes belong to the days of 'The Professionals' or 'Z Cars' I think probably it was just too accurate an unvarnished reflection of how mundane and low life most undercover work must be. I was really having to wade my way through until the last couple of chapters got intense, interesting and very real. A catalogue of bungles from the West Mids police setting up a drugs bust-including, astonishingly, leaving 'Property of the West Mids Police' wrappers on the drugs cash to be used in the scam that forms the crescendo - and the end of the careers of the two undercover policemen telling their stories. Bungle after bungle leads to their near murder. It won't be winning the Nobel prize for literature, it's just a cobbled together collection of reminiscences from a couple of brave blokes who never imagined getting their limbs shattered was all part of a day's work. It's an unpretentious read about what the undercover life is really like and just how amateur and seat of the pants it all is. God help us.I sincerely hope they both got massive payoffs anyway, people doing those sorts of jobs deserve every penny.
The Infiltrators, 03 Nov 2007
The first page in this book caught my attention immediately. It's written in a manner that takes you straight into the officers heads, and it's hard not to feel the stress, panic and excitement that they feel no matter what side of the thought track you lie on. If you're looking for an over-the-top cops and robbers shoot-em-up don't get this book. However if you want an insight into the realities of how undercover work happens then you have to get this. I loved the fact that some of the roads and locations in London are ones that I know or have heard of, and this is what makes it real.
Great Holiday Read, 30 Jul 2007
I loved this book, just fast paced enough to keep you wanting more and just detailed enough to show that these guys really lived the stories that they're telling. I liked the way that the two threads slowly converged to the final climax and thought that Philip and Martin did a great job of entertaining and informing. Well done guys, for the book but mostly for the service that you gave to all of us.
Cops Uncovered, 18 Jun 2007
This is a great factual read. It tells the true story of brave London detectives who went undercover to bust organised criminal gangs. For more of the same see the terrific novels The Face and Two-Faced by Garry Bushell which cover similar ground in a fictional setting with buckets of humour
Top marks, 12 Oct 2006
This book in brilliant, it brings to life the experiences of the author and is also believable (which seems to be lacking in similar books of this genre where the authors claim to have done things which appear to be blatant embellishments to sell books!)
My only criticism is that it is very difficult to put down and as such I got through it fairly quickly.
read this book, 08 Aug 2007
I found out about this book quite by chance, when a friend asked me to go to a reading by the author at Waterstones. I thought I should buy it so I would have a clue what it was all about. I am really glad I did. The book is not an easy read, but a fascinating one. It is a cliche I know, but I really couldn't put it down. It is much much more than a tale about one man, David Oluwale. Kester Aspden has provided an incredibly detailed social history of policing in general, and the city of Leeds in particular. I have recommended "nationality wog" to everyone I know. This is a story that really should be heard.
David Oluwale- neglected by society in 1960's Britain, 10 Jul 2007
I have just finished reading this book and it is one of those books where you just can't put it down, and there were some very difficult parts in this book about the brutality that David Oluwale received at the hands of the police and authorities that even today asylum seekers are recieving the same kind of brutality and bad treatment from different types of organisations. The years of David Oluwale's life as a homeless vagrant was the most brutal, being bullied and hounded as the title of the book says by a supposed 'law enforcing' organisation. His death was caused through blatant racism whether people chooose to admit that or not, as at the time of his death in 1969 it was a year after Enoch Powell's 'rivers of blood' speech so tolerance for immigrants was non existant back then.
This was a story that definately needed to be told. this is definately a story of a person who is a part of our history here in Britain.
Miserable misplaced people., 13 Jun 2007
"leave David to me " or words to that effect struck me in the book.They are spoken by one of the two police officers convicted of assaults on David Oluwale. The use of this mans first name is incongruous given his inhumane treatment by these officers and give a glimpse of what might have been a more indepth relationship between these officers and Oluwale than one of bully and victim.
This book is not an attack on the police or other Criminal Justice agencies and public bodies,nor is it pre occupied with institutional racism.It is an account of an immigrants life in Leeds in the context of a changing police force and a changing city.The police officer Kitchin and Ellerker have become dinosaurs in the force and they know it and one has a sense of their growing sense of inadequacy and powerlessness in a changing job and city.They exert their pathetic power and control over Oluwale.
We are left with some sympathy for the officers as Aspden gives powerful accounts of their personalities and backgrounds and the lonely death of Kitchen.
That Oluwale passes through the hands of other Institutions and Authorities and no help is seemingly given is not surprising given the historical context of the book but it leads the reader to ask if much has changed since.The vulnerable and dangerous still fall through loopholes and safety nets today as revealed by subsequent enquiries into preventable murders and deaths.
Nationality Wog is so thoroughly reserached and touches on so many institutions and individuals in order to put the story into as wide a context as possible that one wonders how Aspden manages to bring all the threads together.He does achieve this and the book culminates thankfully not in a dull account of the trial of the police officers but in a skillful account of the best bits of the court scene and lovely portrayals of the QC's in the case.
The detail in the book will delight anyone familiar with Leeds from descriptions of the shop door ways where Oluwale slept and received his beatings to the position of Leeds United at the time and an account of their black players.
The book has been described as brave and it is right from its almost shocking title to the authors attempt to speak to Ellerker in his driveway.
EK.York
June2007
Dead man running, 07 Sep 2006
There were some really interesting stories in the book, but it was spoilt by the fact that Martin McGartland repeated things over and over again. This book could really have been 10 pages shorter. Not a book I would want to read twice. A poor follow up to the first book, Fifty Dead Men Walking.
Excellent account of underhand treachery by the Crown, 06 Mar 2004
Given the appalling treatment Marin has received it is no wonder the book turned out like it did. The book describes the underhand and frankly disgusting way in which he has been deserted by the security services. I personally found Dead Man Running frank, open and difficult to put down. Having explored every other opportunity to get justice perhaps this is the only way Martin is able to vent his obvious anger. It makes you wonder how many of the reviews below are actually written to discredit the author even further. Martin take comfort in the fact that there are still some good people in the world who value the tremendous work you have done.
Boring and tedious, 28 Jul 2003
I can only give this book one star, it is so boring and tedious. Without doubt, Martin McGartland has been a victim of some pretty unscrupulous behaviour from the British authorities. However, he comes a across as being a professional 'claimer', poor old me type of person.He seems to have forgotten how he became an informer in the first place, and he readily took the money on offer. He tries to portray himslef as heroic whereas one could say he was a traitor who took the cash. The book is very very repetitive. Whilst he complains of not being given enough money as compensation, he forgets to mention all the money he was paid by Special Branch while acting as an informer. I wonder also how much he got from his first book, and this one too?
Disappointing follow up to excellent first effort, 08 Mar 2001
Hmmm, maybe I am a bit jaded these days with all the different titles covering aspects of the British/Irish struggle, however, I get the impression that MM wrote this book purely based on the success of his first. OK, so he has been having a bad time of it, but was there really enough basis for a book here? most of it was already said in his first book, and this is reflected in the number of recaps given throughout. I was expecting a really gritty book revealing a bit more about the involvement of MI5 in his kidnap and subsequent persecution , but all I got was speculation and guesswork rather than hard fact. All in all gross exploitation of a subject matter of which he should know better...
An important book for a greater knowledge of the N.Ireland, 24 Dec 2000
The story Martin McGartland tells is truly horrowing. With the authorities coming over very badly especially Jack Straw who seemed to Blindly ignore Martins predicament, and the Northumbria Police who faired even worse and if Martin is to be believed acted disgracefully. This book tends to over tell parts of Martins life and his trip back to Northern Ireland isn't what this books about but rather the courage of this man and the upuling way the MI5 and others were keen to do the utmost to make his life a misery or even end it
An excellent publication , 24 Jan 2007
This is a first class reference book on this fascinating subject and a great accompaniment to the author's practical surveillance courses. The author has extensive knowledge, experience and an excellent pedigree in covert investigative measures. A highly recommended publication.
the best book on surveillance, 26 Aug 2005
Despite the title,you don't need to have any previous knowledge of the subject. It's also for complete beginners. After teaching the basic principles which you apply to every situation,the book has chapters on communications between surveillance operatives,planning and preparation (brilliant chapter ,not seen in most books)specialist equipment and a chapter on the often overlooked subject of the law in the UK pertaining to putting people under surveillance(its not as simple as the scenarios on tv). Over 120 pages in 3 chapters on the main subjects of static,mobile and foot surveillance.plenty of photographs and clear line diagrams to explain the tactics simply to the reader. A chapter on anti surveillance and ones on Technical surveillance(room aas well as telephone monitoring as well as monitoring computers,although this is only a taster on the subject,mainly using the keylogger and various software) and photographic surveillance(basics for people who know nothing about the subject and digital and video cameras.Brilliant chapter which highlights some problems of surveillance photography)
DEFINITELY RECOMMENDED
Brilliant, 23 Dec 2004
Advanced Surveillance By Peter Jenkins This book contains all the information that a Private Investigator needs to plan and run a surveillance operation. I don't think however that it would be a suitable manual for Police or Military, but I don't believe that is the intended readership either. Peter Jenkins has produced a really good book covering just about everything that you need to know covering planning, covert methods, observation skills, mobile surveillance communications, foot surveillance, evidence and law, static surveillance, still and video photography, rural observation posts, specialist equipment, anti and counter surveillance, and electronic surveillance.
All subjects are covered in enough depth to get even rank beginner off to a good start and experts a like, a good grounding on the subject. It is also a valuable reference for those that need to be surveillance aware, such as high level security dealing with industrial espionage to close protection teams.
My only gripe was that the photographic section was somewhat poor, as it failed to state some obvious points, like the purpose of still photography is to get good identification shots of a subject (That's why the police use still and video together), that digital images may not be allowed in court or considered contentious as they can be manipulated. Regarding the technology on this subject it also seemed to be out of date, there was no mention of image stabilised lenses that allow you to shoot with a long lens hand held in poor light conditions or triggering the camera with a laptop and wireless connection. Many manufacturers are covering just these topics for military and police applications as well as GPS data embedded into the image and encrypted images to the memory cards all of which is necessary on high risk cases or proof is needed as evidence in court.
That said it's a good manual for such a specialised subject that can cover a huge amount of topics and situations. It would have been nice to have seen a few more training exercises in it, but these could be worked out and after all, it's a thick book to start with.
I would certainly look forward to other books by Peter Jenkins and despite my gripe it would have to have a rating of 9 1/2 out of 10 and would recommend it highly to all that have a need for this subject.
After all I don't normaly write reviews, but it is such a good book that I had to
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Customer Reviews
An invaluable resource, 29 Jan 2008
I have been using this book for the three years of my degree, originally buying the first edition then the second when it was published. This is an invaluable resource for 1st year Forensic Science students and the comprehensive introductory material provides good reading for any budding CSI. Throughout my degree I have returned to this book, either as a refresher for learned material or as an introduction to further reading. The content is accessible and I have found that reading this material prior to further reading gives you the background knowledge necessary to understand more detailed specific subject texts.
The second edition does contain useful new material, including birefringence of fibres and archaeology. There is a tremendous amount of good accessible information in here, I can highly recommend it.
Excellent, 20 Sep 2006
Andrew Jackson is one of the lecturers on my Forensic Science course at Uni, so it was no surprise to find this book was listed as a core text. I used it practically every day in my first year and now I'm starting my second year I imagine I'll still refer to it for useful information.
I've found it very helpful, interesting and not too complicated (while also not being patronising like some other books).
I would greatly recommend it to anyone who is fascinated by the subject, or for those who have a genuine interest in pursuing it beyond the boundaries of "just for pleasure". Students, 19 Oct 2005
i am a currently a student doing a forensic science degree and i find this book very helpful! as it has all releivant information and is easy to read over all it is a very good book!. Great book!, 26 Jun 2005
I bought this book as an aid for my Forensic Science degree course and it has been extremely helpful. It contains useful and informative sections on items such as DNA, footwear impressions analysis, explosives, fibres, court procedures etc. The illustrations are also good. I found the book easy to digest and understand, definately recommended, regardless of whether you are studying this as a subject or just want to know more about forensic science. Forensic Science Textbook Review, 10 Aug 2004
This book provides information on a wide range of Forensic techniques and enables the reader to gain an understanding of the many areas associated with Forensic Science. The use of photographs, diagrams and charts clearly displays the most important facts and makes the more difficult topics more easily comprehensible. I recommend this text for anyone interested in this subject area. It's not like The Bill, 16 Aug 2008
This is an OK book to read on holiday - broken into a series of short chapters it's easy to pick up and put down after reading a few sides. In terms of content it's pretty superficial stuff. The 'insight' into criminal activity doesn't come until well over half way through, and if you are looking for a bit more depth there is better biographical material available e.g. Wensley Clarkson on Kenneth Noye and all the others. The picture you get of the Met. and police in general is not flattering and just confirms most people's opinion that this bunch of dinosaurs has been getting away with it without proper scrutiny for ever. The list of police blunders seems endless - (the most damning comment on the Lawrence Inquiry report that the police was riddled with institutional racism overshadowed the parallel observation that it is institutionally incompetent as well). The culture of fiddling expenses - drinking for England on and off duty, silly pranks, manipulating overtime car allowances and fiddling early retirement all seem to be accepted as part of the culture. Still, it's a dirty job and perhaps it's worth turning a blind eye. You just hope the police never get the opportunity to really get going with powers like some of the eastern European lot.
Solid view of life as a Met detective, 26 Jan 2006
This is the autobiography of a detective in London’s Met, detectives being known in certain circles as ‘the filth’. Like the author I spent some time in the Met, following the same route in via the Police Cadets although my career was much shorter and a lot less exciting. I mention this because the bits where I have similar experiences are absolutely spot on and spookily familiar, so I have few doubts about the accuracy of the rest of the book. I enjoyed this but it felt a little short. There is a great build up from the author’s childhood into the cadets and then into the Met mainstream where he eventually makes it to detective. Although he provides some interesting and honest views about life in ‘the filth’, this element of the book seems almost rushed and I am sure there was a lot more he could have told. Some readers may be shocked that the Police are not as pure as they may wish but I am sure that those same readers are glad that the thin blue line is also manned by intelligence and dedicated officers like Duncan MacLaughlin. Honest and interesting reading. An insight, 12 Mar 2005
A friend of mine was reading this book, and I read a chapter of it, and loved it. I bought it from amazon, who delivered it early...thanks! I finished the book in two sittings. The author lays the book out so it can be read easily, very easy flowing whilst providing the insight into one of the most elite police forces in the world, the Metropolitan. His story goes back to the pre-PACE world and shows the changes that came into effect from it. The book also shows the different attitudes that had to be adopted from political correctness, and also the rules and the stance that police officers had to take, sometimes even making the evidence fit. I enjoyed this book, my only drawback about this book is this, the author does a fantastic job about writing not only about his 20+ years in the force and an opener into his childhood, but his retirement and exit from the force is narrowed to just one page. This leaves the question to be asked, will there be a sequel? A must read. A REAL PAGE TURNER, 24 Jun 2003
This book was a very interesting insight into the world of policing pre PACE. The author also highlights the black humour which is what holds mean of the teams together in suck a demanding environment. I would have liked to have learnt more about the situation that caused the author to leave but I would only presum that he either does not want to tell or can't. It depicts perfectly the strain that is put on modern day crime fighters with the sophisication of modern criminals, the toll it has on their health and ultimatly their social life marriage etc
All in all a very good read and I hope that Mr Maclaughlin will finish the stories off......
Engrossing!, 29 Apr 2003
Duncan MacLaughlin brings us into his life with a whisper, and escorts us out of his life with a bang. Adopted soon after birth, he finds himself the son of a Royal Navy man. This military lifestyle gives young Duncan the opportunity to live in the world rather than the mews, experiencing other lands and cultures that contribute to his early moulding. His sense of adventure is evident in his early years, taking risks and pushing the envelope even as a young man.
Through his desire to follow in his father's footsteps and have a military career, MacLaughlin discovers his true passion: law enforcement. With a single-mindedness that is to be admired, he sets his sights on the CID (Criminal Investigation Department), also known as "The Filth." Working his way up the ladder in the Metropolitan Police, MacLaughlin learns the difference between the way it is done in the classroom, and the way it is done on the streets. His frustration is evident when he comes up against laws that were designed to protect the criminals and not the victims. This causes no psychomachia for the young police constable, who simply chooses to put those criminals in "the nick" by whatever means necessary, and rest knowing that he made his corner of the world a little safer that night.
The tension of the book elevates when MacLaughlin reaches the pinnacle of success with his entrance into the CID. He learns how to play the game, and does it with a ferocity and tenacity that brings admiration from the reader. Gutsy, earthy, and always with a sense of humour, MacLaughlin takes us into the underworld, where the line between the crime and the criminal is sometimes blurred. He leaves us by leaving Scotland Yard, but an epilogue assures the reader that this detective is still "on the case."
A riveting story by a fascinating author who is reputed to have solved the mystery that has plagued Scotland Yard for decades: The Lord Lucan disappearance.
unpickupable , 04 Jan 2009
This was quite hard going initially, I picked it up - read a bit, put it down, picked it up, forgot what I'd already read, etc, etc. It just wasn't gripping, in spite of what other reviewers say. It's all been seen before and said before. The anecdotes belong to the days of 'The Professionals' or 'Z Cars' I think probably it was just too accurate an unvarnished reflection of how mundane and low life most undercover work must be. I was really having to wade my way through until the last couple of chapters got intense, interesting and very real. A catalogue of bungles from the West Mids police setting up a drugs bust-including, astonishingly, leaving 'Property of the West Mids Police' wrappers on the drugs cash to be used in the scam that forms the crescendo - and the end of the careers of the two undercover policemen telling their stories. Bungle after bungle leads to their near murder. It won't be winning the Nobel prize for literature, it's just a cobbled together collection of reminiscences from a couple of brave blokes who never imagined getting their limbs shattered was all part of a day's work. It's an unpretentious read about what the undercover life is really like and just how amateur and seat of the pants it all is. God help us.I sincerely hope they both got massive payoffs anyway, people doing those sorts of jobs deserve every penny.
The Infiltrators, 03 Nov 2007
The first page in this book caught my attention immediately. It's written in a manner that takes you straight into the officers heads, and it's hard not to feel the stress, panic and excitement that they feel no matter what side of the thought track you lie on. If you're looking for an over-the-top cops and robbers shoot-em-up don't get this book. However if you want an insight into the realities of how undercover work happens then you have to get this. I loved the fact that some of the roads and locations in London are ones that I know or have heard of, and this is what makes it real.
Great Holiday Read, 30 Jul 2007
I loved this book, just fast paced enough to keep you wanting more and just detailed enough to show that these guys really lived the stories that they're telling. I liked the way that the two threa | | |