Hard Stop

Gritty, fact based military, true life account of Jack Dawe (false name). We see the maturing of this young child right through to his last days in the police. A young Marine cadet placed in situations that were unlawful due to being led by poor example but managed to get the boundaries and guidance at the right time to lead him to a life of service.
His vivid description and recollection of events that led to his final career are shocking and yet addictive. Was a great read- I couldn’t put it down and read in one sitting.
It’s fact, it’s dark, it’s gritty, it’s shocking but it’s honest and sometimes- we all need our eyes opening just that little more!

I was fortunate enough to have been given an advanced copy of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in return for an honest review. Thanks to both.

Hard Stop is certainly a rollercoaster ride! The author's life has been eventful to say the least. The book gives an insight into the Army and the Police that is somewhat different to the usual PR spin! It is a page turner and the action never stops but the undercurrent of a life lived in the fast lane or undercover is evident and takes its toll.

A few very minor gripes - the use of exclamation marks (far too many) and the odd grammar issue - did slightly detract from the enjoyment but that's a personal view.

If you're interested in what life is like for an undercover cop, what the criminal world really looks like, or inside stories of the Army in NI this is the book for you.

I found Jack Dawe’s adventures with the British military and police force to be a good read for wild stories from his life. I just wish someone would remove his exclamation point key, yikes! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Hard Stop is the story of Jack Dawe's life from his days as a young tearaway,through his Army days ,then a career he never thought he'd see himself in when he joins the Police.

Being of a similar age and background I could relate to the young Jack's youth in times and places where criminality was all part of growing up. While the cover suggests this is largely a book about his exploits in the Police much of the first half tells of his exploits in the Army,from yobbish behaviour in Cyprus to patrolling the mean streets of Northern Ireland during The Troubles and even an abortive attempt to join the Foreign Legion. After a brief stint in civvy street,which is not for him,he's back in uniform with the Police...then out of it again when he takes on the role of undercover drugs buyer.

I enjoyed the book, Jack was always a loose cannon, one of those guys who never fit in but are an exact fit for some of the roles he took on in the Army and the Police that demand a special breed of person. There are times he rambles or gets sidetracked and the narrative is broken but the book is obviously his own work and not that of a ghostwriter so I really don't want to be over-critical.

This is an easy and entertaining read, Jack Dawe says at the end he has plenty more stories to tell,I'd love to hear them,especially more of his undercover work.

Wow this was such a brilliant book. If you have ever wondered what it is like working undercover buying illegal drugs then this book is definitely for you. The authors life in the army and then the police was a real eye opening and fascinating story. I just couldn't put this book down and had to binge read it. I was so engrossed in this book I just lost track of time and before I knew it it had ended. This book was so well wrote and it just flowed seamlessly. He certainly tells the true, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I just love these books that give us an insight into what it is like working in a sometimes difficult job. It was definitely a roller coaster ride. There was also some heart stopping moments. Also so really dumb criminals that I just had to laugh at. I would like to thank the author for his service and for writing this book that was such a delight to read as it was so exciting. I really can't recommend this book enough. If you love reading books about people working in the front line services then this book us a must read.

Only the highest of praise goes out to the author and publishers for telling us about his dangerous and edge if your seat career.

The above review has already been placed on goodreads,waterstones, Google books, Barnes&noble, kobo, amazon UK where found and my blog yesterday https://ladyreading365.wixsite.com/website/post/hard-stop-by-jack-dawe-matador-5-stars either under my name or ladyreading365

Hiding behind a splendid nom de plume, Jack Dawe pledges his memoir is the truth. As he is neither a politician or a celebrity (nor even a prince) one is bound to take him at his word. In fact he seems to like being candid about his past whilst using integrity to avoid naming and shaming colleagues.
Late teenage years and early twenties are a bit of a 'Boy's Own' adventure with petty theft and drunkenness giving way to some rude awakenings as a young soldier in a troubled Northern Ireland.
Then, as a young covert police officer, drug dealers bring danger closer to home.
The author doesn't shy away from speaking his mind, showing strength of character, and boundless courage in the face of danger and adversity.