I loved the concept of this book and the stories, but after giving it a good try, I just couldn't get past the slightly laboured narrator. I understand the appeal of having the author read, but I'm afraid this time it just didn't work for me.

An absolutely fascinating glimpse into life in the police force and how many of our loyal and brave officers are facing racism and prejudice day in and day out from their own colleagues and superiors as well as the general public. A very honest and humbling account- it was a real pleasure to read

Ah, I missed downloading this before it was archived. The excerpt was gripping and I look forward to buying the book when it comes out. The small amount I heard about the author's upbringing sounds fascinating, and I have been so interested in this since first hearing about it. I will be quicker on that download button in future. Thanks!

Racism in the Met has been in the news recently so this book seemed to be a good way to know more. The book is an honest reflection of how Sandhu was treated throughout her career at the Met facing both race and gender inequalities including the circumstance around her leaving the Met

Normally I prefer books about just peoples professional lives but I think knowing about Sandhu’s background and home life really added to this book rather than taking anything away. Her determination is evident from a young age, it was horrid to hear about her arranged marriage and the issues surrounding that.

I don’t understand how any of the negative things within the police can be allowed to happen – it is so shocking that people let this carry-on and it is still happening to this day. Something needs to be done and voices like Sandhu’s can only be helping.

I listened to the audiobook version of this book, I enjoy an audiobook more when an author reads their own audiobook, it feels so much more authentic. The whole book felt so honest, nothing was sugar-coated it was all

Sandhu makes reference to another book by author Michael Fuller called “Kill The Black One First”: which I recommend checking out once you have read this one!

If you are British, there is no doubt you have heard of the issues regarding racism (and sexism) within the Met Police. Black and Blue details Sandhu's 30 year career and the trials and tribulations of working in a racist system and sheds light on the prejudice still prevalent today.

This was a fascinating first hand account of the police force and I am both horrified and not surprised at the experiences Sandhu faced. Recounting these experiences cannot have been easy and for that I applaud her, this should be a must read for all Brits to ensure we are aware of exactly what goes on and why we still have work to do.

4 instead of 5 stars as I believe this could have been a little bit shorter, for a relatively short piece there was some repetition and I think if it had been edited a little tighter this would have made for a definite 5 star read.

This account of Parm Sandhu’s upbringing and subsequent thirty year career in the Metropolitan Police is fascinating and devastating.
From a forced marriage she escapes her native Birmingham and makes a new life in London, against all odds.
She then rises through the ranks of the police.
Sandhu reads the audio book and it is clear from the start that she is analytical and always fair-minded and even-handed.
I was aghast at the racism and sexism she encountered and suffered in a police force that Cressida Dick claimed had got rid of institutional racism.
This is such an interesting and depressing insight into the old boy’s club that is the Met, but also into how racism works and why the stats are so bad for BAME officers in the Met.
Thoroughly recommended. I have seen reviews that say the writing is a bit detached and clinical - I found it anything but. Heartfelt and fascinating.

A great perceptive read.
Parm Sandhu is an intelligent and dedicated lady. The book highlights both the race and gender equalities that exist in the police force , both in the past in the beginning and end of Parm’s career .
I enjoyed the narration by the author and her description of her early life and humble beginnings, and what was expected of her from a very traditional family.
We are told that the police as an institution has changed and is no longer institutionally racist , but after reading / listening to this book I think many will beg to differ.
A shrewd read that has certainly opened my eyes.
Thanks to NetGalley and W.F. Howes Ltd.

**Listened to the audio book**

I was super intrigued by this book - particularly because the idea of racism and prejudice within the police force has been in the news quite a lot recently.
This book was really interesting and eye opening. I loved that Parm Sandhu read the audio book herself - it's always so much better when an author reads their audiobook - particularly in non-fiction/autobiographical books.

I love how this book included Sandhu's heritage and early life/personal life, as well as her policing stories. This really helped to make her more human, and for us a reader to empathise with the things she went through during life on the 'beat'
I was shocked with all the negativity and bullying/prejudice she had to face when she was at the top of her game, and doing so much good for the police force. What she endured during the end of her service was just appealing, and I really hope that things like that do not continue to happen!!

Really encourage anyone to read this book - particularly the audio version. I think all members of the police force should be encouraged to read this too!
I really hope Parm Sandhu is enjoying her life now, she deserves to be happy!

Park Sandhu delivers a searing indictment of racism, sexism and systemic failings within the Metropolitan Police. Her experiences in a supposedly multi cultural Britain are eye opening and made me realise how little many things have changed in some decades. I couldn’t stop listening to her story and polished off the entire audio version in a couple of ( lengthy) sittings. Parma narrates and her dispassionate account brought tears to my eyes more than once.

She starts by explaining her background and upbringing in Handsworth, Birmingham. Her intelligence and spark was apparent from an early age. I found her account of her arranged marriage harrowing. She writes with energy and brings every bit of her story to life, without being dramatic or judgemental. To be honest, it’s books like this which make me ashamed to be ‘British’. I’m sorry to say that I recognise every indignity and injustice she experienced. Despite claiming to be a non racist nation, I believe inherent racism, sexism is woven into Britain’s national culture. I find it difficult to understand how a supposedly diverse organisation like the Met can’t recognise and reward diversity in a more meaningful way.

Parma’s account has an honesty and freshness which makes it a rewarding read. It leaves much food for thought and I sincerely hope that we see more of her writing. She’s a gifted author, with insight and balance and I believe she will do well.

My thanks to the publisher for a review copy via Netgalley.

A stunning and compelling narrative of how discrimination in the police affects both the populations it serves and its own officers. Parm Sandhu is not only a brave and courageous woman, but a fantastic writer helping to explain the systemic issues in the Met Police and beyond. A must-read for Brits who believe the issues of the American-led Black Lives Matter movement isn't relevant to policing in the UK.