Not on My Patch, Lad [Paperback]

I cannot recommend this book highly enough! Another great edition in Mike's memoirs.It has been a while to wait since the last edition but this was worth waiting for.The reader is carried along in the passenger seat of Mike's car and you are with him every step of the way.It takes me back to my days as a rural officer and regularly found myself in situations similar to these.This is the 'real thing',Mike is right on the money.No phoney stuff here this is police work at it's best and in the 'real world'this is how it should be.I have only recently returned from the Malton area visiting relatives so the A64,Kirkham Abbey and Leavening(Jolly Farmers) are all paint fresh in my mind.A great read from start to finish.More like this please,Mike.

This book shows the difficulties the police face in policing a large rural area - too few people covering too much space. In this book we find out about the Sunset Gang - so-called because they only operate after dark; a series of burglaries which targets lawn mowers and garden equipment; and a young girl being attacked while on holiday. There are nerve wracking car chases and an even more nerve wracking race against time to escort a fire engine on icy roads to a house fire in a remote area. All these are portrayed simply and effectively and you can almost imagine sitting in a pub with Mike Pannett as he reminisces about his life in the police.

I've read this author's two previous books and enjoyed both of them and this latest one is even better with some amusing incidents and some thoroughly memorable characters - Walt, Soapy, Algy - those good natured Yorkshiremen who are up to plenty of mischief - including getting into York races without paying very much for it. Then there are Mike's colleagues - Jayne, working towards her promotiom; Ed - settling into the job; and Thommo - seen it all and done it all; not forgetting the Inspector - Birdie to his friends. Then there's Mike's partner Ann now a Sergeant working in York.

This is a well written slice of life in North Yorkshire showing the good the bad and the ugly. It shows how a good knowledge of human nature is every bit as important as good records and high tech gadgets. Intuition still plays a large part in police work and often you have to follow a hunch or go with your instincts in order to solve a crime. Luck plays a large part in it as well as being in the right place at the right time. If you want glamour then don't read this book but if you want to have your faith in human nature restored - and your faith in the ability of the police to outwit the average criminal - then read this heart warming book.

I had been waiting for this book to arrive for ages. Having read the authors first two books, this has moved to another level. It deals with policing issues that everyone can relate to, but also has strong charactors and a strong sense of community. I felt I was with the author throughout the entire book-brilliant.
I love the balance of the book. It has sad-serious-interesting-exciting chapters which deal with modern day issues. Combine that with great humour and the countryside setting it gives the book a upbeat feeling. It is a rollercoaster of ups and downs. I think this book is story telling at its best. I also enjoyed the thought behind catching the villians that run from chapter to chapter.
I think the characters are wonderful. Walt-Algy-Soapy and others make me laugh out loud. Overall the best book I have read for ages. Loved it.