Unlock Now Police, Lies And Alibis: The True Story Of A Front Line Officer Assembled By John Donoghue Released Through Publication

you to the author for a complimentary copy of this title in exchange for an honest review

This book wasn't quite as humourous as the first, which came as a little bit of a surprise to me but it was still a welcome surprise.
The stories and anecdotes in the first book were clearly collected by the author for their comedy value but it's a pretty obvious truth that police work isn't all fun and games, this book is a collection of some of the more serious aspects of the job.


Don't be discouraged though if you're a fan of the funny this book is still packed with some truly awful in a good way dad jokes and includes an incident involving the brutal assault of giant Yoda and Darth Maul garden ornaments.


What it does highlight though is the reality of what a 'customer complaint' against an officer can do to their career, and let's face it most people aren't too happy about being arrested, especially if they're guilty.
This is the kind of thing that more decent people should know about, to appreciate the shit that the poor fuzz deal with on a daily basis and how one scumbag calling foul can end an officer's career.


Donoghue's writing style has developed nicely since his debut novel and has thrown in some more serious content about what being a police officer is like in a quiet area, his tone is very easy going and feels like you're listening in on a chat between friends.
His caricatures of his colleagues either that or he works with sitcom characters, either or are hilarious though I can't imagine they're completely flattered by his representation of them!

I'd recommend this book for people who want to get a glimpse of what policing is like in the UK, though I would point out the following things:

This is a rural area rather than a big city
Take it with a pinch of salt, there's a healthy amount of exaggeration and elaboration in this book! As an advocate of John's previous book, I am pleased to say John has not let his readers down with his third book.
Once again, John Donoghue has taken us behind the scenes of Policing, resulting in more of those LAUGH OUT LOUD moments of his previous book, Police,Crime amp.
From the beginning of the book right to the end, you are entertained, as the sometimes hapless PC Donoghue gets to grips with the daily chores of Policing, ranging from shop thefts, stealing of dustbins,

as well as coming across some bizarre laws and then throw in a possible murder! Allowing you to see a side of policing that is rarely reported, as well as some of the characters Officers sometimes have to deal with.
yes these people do exist
In this book, John also introduces the reader into the darker and at times dangerous side of Policing, at the same time demonstrating how humour can be found even in the most frightening of times.
Also, how one good deed can go so awry, that an Officers' job is on the line, John demonstrates that Police Officers in the line of duty can be unsung heroes on day to day basics, while also being subjected to verbal/physical abuse because they wear a uniform and are doing a job, which many of us haven't got the patience to do.

I could list all the anecdotal tales that cause me to SNIGGER/CHUCKLE/HOWL with laughter within this book, but that would only spoil the surprise, but I will say that tale of the "Death Fart" is one of my favourites.

Anyone who has a sense of humour, likes an easy entertaining read, this is the one for you, I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!!!! This book covers "highlights" from Response Officer P, C. Donoghue's second year on the job, Its as humorous,  sarcastic and dry as his first book and I loved reading every minute of it! I'm sure the idea of sending out "winning" scratch cards to all the wanted criminals ought to be adopted by more forces! I'll certainly reconsider next time, or should I say IF I ever win on one!! Chapterincludes one of John's signature play with words which unlike the rest of his crew I did find amusing: Call to Comms to say that Cops had confirmed a Corpse in the Copse! A tongue twister if I ever heard one! Chapterkept me gripped, wow I seriously went through every possible emotion  whilst reading it, I don't want to spoil anything here for anyone who hasn't read this yet but needless to say I went on the roller coaster of emotions and weirdly ending up humming the Benny Hill tune just as I turned the page over and read that blokes on the street were humming the same melody! Trust me I've never been to Sandford,  or been a bloke as it happens.
Chapterincludes a very funny story about the fairground at the fete, or in John's words "The Magic Roundabout"! This book will have you smiling and chuckling to yourself as it combines, real incidents with Donoghue's wit.
Being an emotional person myself I loved a quote from Chapterwhich I will finish with: it's not wrong to cry, but it's a waste to weep while your life passes you by.
And on that note I'll start his next book, . . 'Carry on Police Lies'

Well this is what it should have been called, This is certainly not what I was expecting or hoping, I thought this may have some serious subjects brought up to think about with modern policing but what we actually get is Wale's own version of Sid James going around with smutty doubleentendres trying to make women blush.
Charming. Oh did I groan each time a smut line was introduced,

We follow Sid in his small English town of,dealing with burglars, chavs his phrase, arsonists, wife beaters, flashers and baby dolls oh what an hilarious sketch this was!!.


I finished the book which was criminal in itself, Discover what REALLY happens in the police,
Is the discovery of a headless corpse the work of a serial killer
When do police amp paramedics fall out
Who killed Yoda
What is a Death Fart
Why do some criminals think they are worth it
Who invented the Crying Machine
How do you beat the burglar
Why do the police have to pay particular attention to boobs

Come on patrol with PC Donoghue and get the answers to all these questions and more.


Police, Lies amp Alibis is the fascinating and hilarious account of a year in the life of a front line police response officer, and the only humorous police book written by a serving officer who is not hiding his identity.
It is the followup book to Police, Crime amp , a book which still remains hugely popular today, with overstar Amazon reviews, and which garnered positive feedback from a number of national publications:

Everything is included in this wartsandall account.
Very funny
The Sun
A treasure trove of a book a wonderfully informative and addictive read, full of belly laughs
The NonFiction Book Club

WARNING: Contains Humour amp Traces of Nuts Another class telling of the true dealings of the British Police.

Although not as laugh out loud as the previous book in the series, this still did not fail to make me laugh on every chapter.

You'd be forgiven for thinking this officer is a calamity, but reality is this happens! I have related to a lot of what John Donoghue has told and have recommended my colleagues read this.

Honest, revealing and funny, Another must for a fan of our frontline bobbies or indeed a must for those in the job, sitelinkPolice, Lies and Alibis: The True Story of a Front Line Officer When you find yourself recommending a book to the postman, its a pretty good bet youve enjoyed it.
Actually, Im considering it my public duty to recommend the last two books Ive read, Police, Crime ampand Police, Lies amp Alibis The True Story of a Front Line Officer, to everyone I see.
If PC Donoghue can spread a little happiness, then so can I, Hes gone and done it again, Im a bit late finding this gem of an author, I possibly should have listened to the agent who recommended him, Sharply witty and observant of that unpredictable beast, human nature or possibly totally predictable beast, the man is pure genius, delivering comedic anecdotes that have your chuckle muscles working in overdrive.
Apart from the fact that Ive melted my Lycra leggings, I hasten to add whilst reading in the sun, Ive found myself literally snorting with laughter and clamping my hand over my mouth for fear of the neighbours officially labelling me bonkers.
Ive also clamped my hand over my mouth in dread reading a certain chapter no spoilers which, though a stark reminder about peoples propensity to ignore the danger of cars in hot weather, actually ends hilariously.
All I will say, is I could empathise with the policemans lot, Jack Russells do refuse to let go, As with the first book I read, there are poignant moments, followed by deadpan one liners which just crease you up, There are also subtle reminders that life is too short to waste time weeping and a sprinkling of facts that serve to educate the ignorant me.
Seriously, I think John Donoghues books should be prescribed on the NHS, If you are feeling down you cannot fail to be buoyed up, But please heed the health warning: these books are sidesplittingly hysterical, Absolutely recommended as you might have gathered, .