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The Accidental Cop
Youth is supposed to be the best time of your life. But if you enter adulthood during the savage 90s, it can turn into your personal hell.
Roberts Bergs had to start making difficult choices early in life. With few options to choose from, he settles for available ones. Beggars cannot be choosers, is his motto.
His coursemates at the Police Academy dip their toes into adulthood while still living in the cocoon of their parental homes. For them, life is about parties, new experiences, and searching for their true self. For Roberts, it’s about poverty, hunger, and not being killed by a crazed drunkard with an axe during a patrol shift.
A patrolman of the Public Order Police patrol battalion isn’t Roberts’s dream job. But it is better than not having one. Trudging through the grim slums of the city, his interest in arts, history, and literature is what sustains him.
He believes in human dignity and freedom of choice. He wants to become a lawyer.
To succeed you must play by the rules. Roberts learns the rules quickly. The system run by the Soviet-era ex-militia officers is a good teacher. Who you know counts for more than your abilities, qualifications, and knowledge. The system also doesn’t tolerate disobedience.
Still, Roberts keeps climbing up the career ladder. The contrast between those who play by the rules and those who believe in honesty and justice becomes starker. Luxury and self-indulgence for the first, and dragging out a miserable existence for the latter.
Roberts has to make more difficult choices. Is it worth it to remain true to his principles? Or is succumbing to the corrupted and merciless system the only way to survive?
Set in Latvia at the end of the first post-Soviet decade, “The Accidental Cop” is a blend of noir crime and police procedural with psychological suspense elements.
Roberts Bergs had to start making difficult choices early in life. With few options to choose from, he settles for available ones. Beggars cannot be choosers, is his motto.
His coursemates at the Police Academy dip their toes into adulthood while still living in the cocoon of their parental homes. For them, life is about parties, new experiences, and searching for their true self. For Roberts, it’s about poverty, hunger, and not being killed by a crazed drunkard with an axe during a patrol shift.
A patrolman of the Public Order Police patrol battalion isn’t Roberts’s dream job. But it is better than not having one. Trudging through the grim slums of the city, his interest in arts, history, and literature is what sustains him.
He believes in human dignity and freedom of choice. He wants to become a lawyer.
To succeed you must play by the rules. Roberts learns the rules quickly. The system run by the Soviet-era ex-militia officers is a good teacher. Who you know counts for more than your abilities, qualifications, and knowledge. The system also doesn’t tolerate disobedience.
Still, Roberts keeps climbing up the career ladder. The contrast between those who play by the rules and those who believe in honesty and justice becomes starker. Luxury and self-indulgence for the first, and dragging out a miserable existence for the latter.
Roberts has to make more difficult choices. Is it worth it to remain true to his principles? Or is succumbing to the corrupted and merciless system the only way to survive?
Set in Latvia at the end of the first post-Soviet decade, “The Accidental Cop” is a blend of noir crime and police procedural with psychological suspense elements.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2023
24 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Eve Koguce
6 books397 followersI’ve been in love with books for as long as I remember myself. The typewriter my first attempts at writing had been made at still sits proudly on its shelf in the basement, and when I go down there, I always have an urge to save it from its exile.
I’ve always been writing something. Diaries, letters, poems, short stories. I’d even attempted to write a novel a couple of times when I was about thirteen. Still, there was always something more important than my writing.
There was always “real life” reminding me of its undeniable claims. “You have to study, you have to work, there is no place for fruitless dreaming,” it whispered. And I moved forward as if running on rails I couldn’t step down from.
I’d spent fifteen years, trying to fit into the office work pattern. Do you remember Kevin Kline in the “In & Out” movie – “men do not dance”? Well, that used to be my philosophy – real people don’t write books. They work, they build careers, they travel through the corporate jungle. And despite I was feeling miserable and out of place every day of that climbing the ladder process, I managed to build a relatively successful career after an ambitious shift from the private to the public sector. The job I had wasn’t boring. It was actually pretty exciting. I worked with internationally funded projects and met people from all over the world every day. But it failed to ignite a spark in my heart.
After my son was born, I had a unique chance to stop and rethink not only what I’d achieved so far, but what I really want from life. I made a decision to leave my old life behind, and I’ve never regretted it. Changes in the daily routine led naturally to changes in my way of thinking. I finally allowed myself to be who I really was.
Since then, I’ve published six books.
The Neglected Merge fantasy romance/drama trilogy:
- Book 1 “Neglected Merge”
(i) Silver Medal in the 2021 Global Book Awards in the Science Fiction / Fantasy category
(ii) Award Finalist in the 2021 Readers’ Favorite International Book Award Contest in the Fantasy General category
(iii) Honorable Mention in the 2021 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards in the Science Fiction/Fantasy category.
- Book 2 “Tangle of Choices”
Honorable Mention in the 2023 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards in the Science Fiction/Fantasy category.
- Book 3 “Shifting Directions”
Books set in Latvia:
- “Finding Your Way”
Honorable Mention in the 2023 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards in the Cultural Diversity category.
- “The Accidental Cop”
(i) Finalist award in the Pacific Book Awards 2023 contest in the Best Thriller category;
(ii) Honorable Mention in the 2023 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards in the Fiction Novel category.
Women's Fiction:
- "Broken Chances"
I’d love to connect with my readers and hear your thoughts about my books.
Please visit my website: www.evekoguce.com
You can also find me on social media:
X/Twitter: @EveKoguce
Instagram: @eve_koguce_books
Facebook: Eve Koguce Books
I’ve always been writing something. Diaries, letters, poems, short stories. I’d even attempted to write a novel a couple of times when I was about thirteen. Still, there was always something more important than my writing.
There was always “real life” reminding me of its undeniable claims. “You have to study, you have to work, there is no place for fruitless dreaming,” it whispered. And I moved forward as if running on rails I couldn’t step down from.
I’d spent fifteen years, trying to fit into the office work pattern. Do you remember Kevin Kline in the “In & Out” movie – “men do not dance”? Well, that used to be my philosophy – real people don’t write books. They work, they build careers, they travel through the corporate jungle. And despite I was feeling miserable and out of place every day of that climbing the ladder process, I managed to build a relatively successful career after an ambitious shift from the private to the public sector. The job I had wasn’t boring. It was actually pretty exciting. I worked with internationally funded projects and met people from all over the world every day. But it failed to ignite a spark in my heart.
After my son was born, I had a unique chance to stop and rethink not only what I’d achieved so far, but what I really want from life. I made a decision to leave my old life behind, and I’ve never regretted it. Changes in the daily routine led naturally to changes in my way of thinking. I finally allowed myself to be who I really was.
Since then, I’ve published six books.
The Neglected Merge fantasy romance/drama trilogy:
- Book 1 “Neglected Merge”
(i) Silver Medal in the 2021 Global Book Awards in the Science Fiction / Fantasy category
(ii) Award Finalist in the 2021 Readers’ Favorite International Book Award Contest in the Fantasy General category
(iii) Honorable Mention in the 2021 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards in the Science Fiction/Fantasy category.
- Book 2 “Tangle of Choices”
Honorable Mention in the 2023 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards in the Science Fiction/Fantasy category.
- Book 3 “Shifting Directions”
Books set in Latvia:
- “Finding Your Way”
Honorable Mention in the 2023 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards in the Cultural Diversity category.
- “The Accidental Cop”
(i) Finalist award in the Pacific Book Awards 2023 contest in the Best Thriller category;
(ii) Honorable Mention in the 2023 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards in the Fiction Novel category.
Women's Fiction:
- "Broken Chances"
I’d love to connect with my readers and hear your thoughts about my books.
Please visit my website: www.evekoguce.com
You can also find me on social media:
X/Twitter: @EveKoguce
Instagram: @eve_koguce_books
Facebook: Eve Koguce Books
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 25, 2023
Outstanding
This isn’t a story to read and forget. This one will stick with you. It’ll stay in your memory and your thoughts will keep going back to it.
For me personally, this book triggered a lot of feelings, emotions and memories. But even those readers who won’t be taken on a trip down memory lane like I was, will most definitely enjoy the deep, immersive , thought-provoking story and the amazing characters (especially the protagonist) you get attached to from the beginning.
Oh, and the ending… I have no words. Just perfect.
This isn’t a story to read and forget. This one will stick with you. It’ll stay in your memory and your thoughts will keep going back to it.
For me personally, this book triggered a lot of feelings, emotions and memories. But even those readers who won’t be taken on a trip down memory lane like I was, will most definitely enjoy the deep, immersive , thought-provoking story and the amazing characters (especially the protagonist) you get attached to from the beginning.
Oh, and the ending… I have no words. Just perfect.
August 28, 2023
Roberts Bergs lives in Latvia in the 1990s and struggles to make ends meet even though he has full-time work as a patrol officer. He has strong values of integrity and honesty, rare qualities for many, who thrive by crossing the line into corruption and greed. He has hopes of improving his life through his studies to become a lawyer. But will that work out for him? As we accompany Roberts on his daily challenges we are introduced to the stark realities of that place and time.
I have read too many thrillers to count and enjoy good writing that allows me to visualize the action. Koguce’s writing is outstanding. And for the first time ever, my vivid imagination brought the story’s events to life through my mental images in black, white, and grey,like an old movie from the 1940s, rather than in the vivid colours of most stories
I like books where I can’t figure out the ending until it unfolds and also ones where I learn about places and times I know little about. The Accidental Cop is a satisfying read on both accounts. It also makes me think about places in our world today where people struggle to survive and where there are few opportunities for them to succeed.
Even in uncertainty about the future, Roberts Bergs experiences moments of grace and kindness from others showing how even in tough situations humans can come together to provide hope for the future.
I highly recommend The Accidental Cop.
I have read too many thrillers to count and enjoy good writing that allows me to visualize the action. Koguce’s writing is outstanding. And for the first time ever, my vivid imagination brought the story’s events to life through my mental images in black, white, and grey,like an old movie from the 1940s, rather than in the vivid colours of most stories
I like books where I can’t figure out the ending until it unfolds and also ones where I learn about places and times I know little about. The Accidental Cop is a satisfying read on both accounts. It also makes me think about places in our world today where people struggle to survive and where there are few opportunities for them to succeed.
Even in uncertainty about the future, Roberts Bergs experiences moments of grace and kindness from others showing how even in tough situations humans can come together to provide hope for the future.
I highly recommend The Accidental Cop.
November 21, 2023
The Accidental Cop is a departure from the Neglected Merge fantasy series, drawing the reader deep into the harsh realities of life in the early years of Latvia’s independence. Yet, the same deep appreciation of life, the same vision and hope, the same beauty of spirit, is present. The author’s vision is fully grounded in the genre, even as the genre is shaped by her vision.
This is the author’s world, the matrix of her formative years. And she carries the reader fully into that world. There is no glamour in poverty: Every grimy wall, filthy floor, bare bulb hanging from the ceiling, is described with intensity. The stench and the filth on the floor are real, and the despair and hunger that seeps into those who really do not have opportunities become real to us. These people do not choose poverty; it is a fact, an indisputable fact, of life. The choices in the workplace and in every aspect of life are limited, and the only choice that remains is how one will respond to this situation -- to surrender to despair or to scrounge while clinging to a distant hope. There is no easy solution here.
It says something for the author’s control of language that as I read the passages describing the cold of November I could feel the cold seeping through the pores of my skin, into the marrow of my bones. I could flinch in the grim hallways, nose closed against the smells that permeated my senses. The background here is physically present, no idle stage prop. And in this setting walk the characters – some deadened by circumstances, some shrewd and manipulating. And some who maintain a grace and beauty of spirit, trapped in darkness but choosing to radiate light, people like Marta and Dina.
And then there is Roberts.
Roberts is pushed to the breaking point and beyond by circumstance, yet he does not bow down. He clings to integrity: “Roberts didn’t think he could appreciate life if it lost its value. Not seeing a person behind the dead body, no matter its decomposition state, to him, equalled human existence losing any higher meaning. If there indeed was such, in the first place.” The Accidental Cop, pp. 22f. He is a policeman by necessity, not design, yet he brings dignity to the role anyway. Through the intensity of his circumstances, crushed and with nothing left to hope for, he still hopes. We long for his triumph, and we rejoice in the little acts of goodness that prove that hope is not a wasted emotion.
That is why I consider this to be a most uplifting book – educational and cautionary, but with a profound hope for the human condition.
This is the author’s world, the matrix of her formative years. And she carries the reader fully into that world. There is no glamour in poverty: Every grimy wall, filthy floor, bare bulb hanging from the ceiling, is described with intensity. The stench and the filth on the floor are real, and the despair and hunger that seeps into those who really do not have opportunities become real to us. These people do not choose poverty; it is a fact, an indisputable fact, of life. The choices in the workplace and in every aspect of life are limited, and the only choice that remains is how one will respond to this situation -- to surrender to despair or to scrounge while clinging to a distant hope. There is no easy solution here.
It says something for the author’s control of language that as I read the passages describing the cold of November I could feel the cold seeping through the pores of my skin, into the marrow of my bones. I could flinch in the grim hallways, nose closed against the smells that permeated my senses. The background here is physically present, no idle stage prop. And in this setting walk the characters – some deadened by circumstances, some shrewd and manipulating. And some who maintain a grace and beauty of spirit, trapped in darkness but choosing to radiate light, people like Marta and Dina.
And then there is Roberts.
Roberts is pushed to the breaking point and beyond by circumstance, yet he does not bow down. He clings to integrity: “Roberts didn’t think he could appreciate life if it lost its value. Not seeing a person behind the dead body, no matter its decomposition state, to him, equalled human existence losing any higher meaning. If there indeed was such, in the first place.” The Accidental Cop, pp. 22f. He is a policeman by necessity, not design, yet he brings dignity to the role anyway. Through the intensity of his circumstances, crushed and with nothing left to hope for, he still hopes. We long for his triumph, and we rejoice in the little acts of goodness that prove that hope is not a wasted emotion.
That is why I consider this to be a most uplifting book – educational and cautionary, but with a profound hope for the human condition.
July 29, 2023
If you are curious about 90-es in the post-soviet countries, you must read this book!
Roberts is a regular Latvian student living at the end of 90-es. Like many of his peers, he struggles to make ends meet. Roberts does his best by combining his studies and work in police - the only job he could find in times of crisis.
Even though the setting is depressing, as well as the times he lives in, Roberts’ story enlivens the plot. His youth and determination, often accompanied by despair, creates a unique character. At work, Roberts faces the ugliness of human nature daily - from disturbing murders committed by local criminals to witnessing corruption among policemen of higher ranks.
Through the eyes of a young man, the author portrays the chaotic world, which precisely reflects the society of that time - irresponsible and greedy people dominating the world, leaving honest and kind ones to struggle. The question that the author raises is still relevant today - is there hope for building a better, kinder society?
I believe the story answers this question through Robert’s story - a character like him is inspirational, and the values he carries help him live through the most depressive times.
Roberts is a regular Latvian student living at the end of 90-es. Like many of his peers, he struggles to make ends meet. Roberts does his best by combining his studies and work in police - the only job he could find in times of crisis.
Even though the setting is depressing, as well as the times he lives in, Roberts’ story enlivens the plot. His youth and determination, often accompanied by despair, creates a unique character. At work, Roberts faces the ugliness of human nature daily - from disturbing murders committed by local criminals to witnessing corruption among policemen of higher ranks.
Through the eyes of a young man, the author portrays the chaotic world, which precisely reflects the society of that time - irresponsible and greedy people dominating the world, leaving honest and kind ones to struggle. The question that the author raises is still relevant today - is there hope for building a better, kinder society?
I believe the story answers this question through Robert’s story - a character like him is inspirational, and the values he carries help him live through the most depressive times.
February 23, 2024
A Police Thriller That Keeps You Entertained!
The Accidental Cop is a thrilling police thriller and that is no accident! Koguce does a great job dropping the reader into 90s Latvia, explaining enough to get us adjusted, and then divvying deep enough with such detailed descriptions it’s as if I was there. The descriptive setting only heightens the thriller.
Koguce also does a wonderful job with our MC Robert(s). Robert is easy to like and very easy to identify with as a man who just wants to do what is right in a world where doing what’s wrong is often easier and more often rewarded. With an early connection, I was invested in his journey and Koguce did not disappoint! Any lovers of police procedurals or thrillers will enjoy this novel!
The Accidental Cop is a thrilling police thriller and that is no accident! Koguce does a great job dropping the reader into 90s Latvia, explaining enough to get us adjusted, and then divvying deep enough with such detailed descriptions it’s as if I was there. The descriptive setting only heightens the thriller.
Koguce also does a wonderful job with our MC Robert(s). Robert is easy to like and very easy to identify with as a man who just wants to do what is right in a world where doing what’s wrong is often easier and more often rewarded. With an early connection, I was invested in his journey and Koguce did not disappoint! Any lovers of police procedurals or thrillers will enjoy this novel!
August 24, 2023
Latvia, transition, crime, police, and more
This novel is based on Latvia having just come out with their independence from the Soviet Union. Crime was everywhere you looked, and that included corrupted police who lined their pockets with wads of money handed over to the high-ranking officers via drug lords. This book is gritty and rightly so. The young police officer had to keep his wits about him in order to survive and climb the ladder to a position he wanted away from the crooked officers above him. If you like a noir type of feel with all of the ruthless deaths and horrific narrative in your book, then you want to read this compelling novel. I don't want to give away the story or the ending, but this is a five star read.
This novel is based on Latvia having just come out with their independence from the Soviet Union. Crime was everywhere you looked, and that included corrupted police who lined their pockets with wads of money handed over to the high-ranking officers via drug lords. This book is gritty and rightly so. The young police officer had to keep his wits about him in order to survive and climb the ladder to a position he wanted away from the crooked officers above him. If you like a noir type of feel with all of the ruthless deaths and horrific narrative in your book, then you want to read this compelling novel. I don't want to give away the story or the ending, but this is a five star read.
April 25, 2023
It is no secret that I love Eve Koguce's writing style. She has really shared her knowledge and love of Latvia with the world. This book to me is historical fiction about a time and a place that I had no clue about. I enjoyed the character development in a tumultuous time in history. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
May 16, 2023
Well written story
The Accidental Cop is the story of a young man named Roberts Bergs who has to start making important decisions. He should choose to take a job which is not his dream job but he knows it is better than nothing.
It is a very good story set in Latvia at the end of the first post-Soviet decade. The author perfectly describes the time and place where events take place. I recommend it without a doubt. It is an entertaining story that is hard to put down once you start reading.
The Accidental Cop is the story of a young man named Roberts Bergs who has to start making important decisions. He should choose to take a job which is not his dream job but he knows it is better than nothing.
It is a very good story set in Latvia at the end of the first post-Soviet decade. The author perfectly describes the time and place where events take place. I recommend it without a doubt. It is an entertaining story that is hard to put down once you start reading.
July 28, 2023
Solid 5.5/5🌿⭐️
"The Accidental Cop" by Eve Koguce
👮♂️A totally unputdownable psychological crime thriller packed with a light romance and a fantastic virtual guide around Latvia kept me in suspense from cover to cover.
👮♂️The Plot: Roberts Bergs, a twenty-one-year-old residing in Latvia during the tumultuous 90s, possesses both charm and intelligence. With ambition and an open heart, he navigates the challenging landscape. Roberts is a student at the Police Academy and works as a patrolman for the Public Order Police patrol battalion. However, neither his studies nor his job aligns with his true aspirations and desires. Yet, amidst the harsh and uncertain reality of those times, he treads this path in a bid to survive.
Close to earning his diploma as a lawyer, Roberts remains uncertain about the opportunities that await him. However, fate intervenes, presenting him with a host of fresh challenges, plunging him into demotivational traps within the "system," and subjecting him to personal turmoil.
👮♂️The Writing Style: Having read all of this writer's works, "The Accidental Cop" truly blew my mind. It stands apart from the writer's other creations, as the author daringly delved into the psychological crime thriller genre, and her success in doing so was nothing short of triumphant. The book is written cleverly, twisty, captivatingly, and resembles of detective series by Robert Galbraith. The mix of well-thought psychological crime thriller, good, soft, elegant romance, light humor, and virtual travel around Latvia felt perfect.
👮♂️The Characters: Get ready to encounter numerous characters in this outstanding book. However, I relished the gradual acquaintance with each of them, chapter by chapter. Just like in the previous books, this aspect remained constant—every character emerged as a true masterpiece, beautifully crafted in all aspects. The central character is particularly endearing—a real-life hero who remains humble about it. I savored the writer's portrayal of the characters' inner "thunderstorms" and "rainbows," finding their journeys deeply captivating. Moreover, I truly enjoyed how the writer instilled "a feeble hope" in almost every line, motivating the characters to persevere and move forward.
🩵The Fave Quote: "It seems to me that animals know more about love than people do."
🌝Would I read other books by this author: Undoubtedly!
⭐️My humble rating is: 5.5/5
🕵🏻♀️P.S. I gave my highest humble rating to this book because it's one of the most extraordinary and curious books I've recently read. It shares similarities with Robert Galbraith's clever detective novels, yet "The Accidental Cop" possesses a unique charm that captivated me entirely. As I delved into its pages, I felt reminiscent of watching "Police Academy," the legendary American movie, only this time, I was immersed in a brilliant Latvian version that I adored. The vividly portrayed characters reminded me of the beloved figures from the "NCIS" T.V. series, particularly the forensic specialist and medical examiner, who were among my favorites.
🕵🏻♀️"The Accidental Cop" is undoubtedly a "WOW" book, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to all my bookish friends.
"The Accidental Cop" by Eve Koguce
👮♂️A totally unputdownable psychological crime thriller packed with a light romance and a fantastic virtual guide around Latvia kept me in suspense from cover to cover.
👮♂️The Plot: Roberts Bergs, a twenty-one-year-old residing in Latvia during the tumultuous 90s, possesses both charm and intelligence. With ambition and an open heart, he navigates the challenging landscape. Roberts is a student at the Police Academy and works as a patrolman for the Public Order Police patrol battalion. However, neither his studies nor his job aligns with his true aspirations and desires. Yet, amidst the harsh and uncertain reality of those times, he treads this path in a bid to survive.
Close to earning his diploma as a lawyer, Roberts remains uncertain about the opportunities that await him. However, fate intervenes, presenting him with a host of fresh challenges, plunging him into demotivational traps within the "system," and subjecting him to personal turmoil.
👮♂️The Writing Style: Having read all of this writer's works, "The Accidental Cop" truly blew my mind. It stands apart from the writer's other creations, as the author daringly delved into the psychological crime thriller genre, and her success in doing so was nothing short of triumphant. The book is written cleverly, twisty, captivatingly, and resembles of detective series by Robert Galbraith. The mix of well-thought psychological crime thriller, good, soft, elegant romance, light humor, and virtual travel around Latvia felt perfect.
👮♂️The Characters: Get ready to encounter numerous characters in this outstanding book. However, I relished the gradual acquaintance with each of them, chapter by chapter. Just like in the previous books, this aspect remained constant—every character emerged as a true masterpiece, beautifully crafted in all aspects. The central character is particularly endearing—a real-life hero who remains humble about it. I savored the writer's portrayal of the characters' inner "thunderstorms" and "rainbows," finding their journeys deeply captivating. Moreover, I truly enjoyed how the writer instilled "a feeble hope" in almost every line, motivating the characters to persevere and move forward.
🩵The Fave Quote: "It seems to me that animals know more about love than people do."
🌝Would I read other books by this author: Undoubtedly!
⭐️My humble rating is: 5.5/5
🕵🏻♀️P.S. I gave my highest humble rating to this book because it's one of the most extraordinary and curious books I've recently read. It shares similarities with Robert Galbraith's clever detective novels, yet "The Accidental Cop" possesses a unique charm that captivated me entirely. As I delved into its pages, I felt reminiscent of watching "Police Academy," the legendary American movie, only this time, I was immersed in a brilliant Latvian version that I adored. The vividly portrayed characters reminded me of the beloved figures from the "NCIS" T.V. series, particularly the forensic specialist and medical examiner, who were among my favorites.
🕵🏻♀️"The Accidental Cop" is undoubtedly a "WOW" book, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to all my bookish friends.
January 26, 2026
When you enter without wanting to and you can never leave the same
This was a book that made me think more than I expected. Not because of the action, but more because of the feeling of being stuck in a system that slowly forces you to change, even if you do not really want to. It reminded me that in life we do not always choose what is best, but what we need just to get by. And that is where problems usually start.
What stayed with me was the inner struggle between doing what feels right and doing what feels necessary. I think most people have justified small things just to keep going, even when they know they are not fully right. The book does not explain or judge much, it just shows situations, and that feels uncomfortable. In the end, one question remains in my mind, how far can someone adapt without losing something important about themselves?
This was a book that made me think more than I expected. Not because of the action, but more because of the feeling of being stuck in a system that slowly forces you to change, even if you do not really want to. It reminded me that in life we do not always choose what is best, but what we need just to get by. And that is where problems usually start.
What stayed with me was the inner struggle between doing what feels right and doing what feels necessary. I think most people have justified small things just to keep going, even when they know they are not fully right. The book does not explain or judge much, it just shows situations, and that feels uncomfortable. In the end, one question remains in my mind, how far can someone adapt without losing something important about themselves?
April 22, 2023
Well done!
The Accidental Cop tells the story of a young police officer on his own in a large city in Latvia. Without family support he’s learned to survive using his common sense, caring nature and honesty in his work. It is important for him to get his law degree to advance his career as life has forced different choices on him and he dreams of a better future for himself.
I found this story interesting as it portrays police work in a European country after it gained it’s independence.
Well done and worth a read for anyone who likes crime fiction.
The Accidental Cop tells the story of a young police officer on his own in a large city in Latvia. Without family support he’s learned to survive using his common sense, caring nature and honesty in his work. It is important for him to get his law degree to advance his career as life has forced different choices on him and he dreams of a better future for himself.
I found this story interesting as it portrays police work in a European country after it gained it’s independence.
Well done and worth a read for anyone who likes crime fiction.
June 11, 2023
4.5 Stars. The murders are solved; the characters are all accounted for; the ending has hope. Meanwhile, life in a post-Soviet era country is explored with all its bad and good. The police and their foibles, opportunities, and failures are particularly defined here. It makes one glad to live in the west.
May 5, 2023
The Accidental Cop by Eve Koguce immersed me in the history of Latvia.
The republic of Latvia is a small European country founded back to 3000 BC when the Latvians settled in the eastern coast of Baltic Sea, however this land will never be the same over time and historical events. Welcome to the 90s, the decade when the crime across the politicians, the government, the culture and finally all the Baltic sea.
If you love history, this is perfect for you; this transports you to Latvia and the landscapes but also this will give you the opportunity to understand the culture of that era passing through important historical moments such as independence, when was founded and to have an overview of the ancestors’ experiences. This book will give you a big perspective comparing the world from that moment and the world as it is now because a lot changed for the people from Latvia with the country’s admission to international organizations such as European nations.
Even when the author writes using some Latvian words, you will understand everything because he makes this lecture super easy, causing you some kind of immersion in the story but also in the Latvian culture and life.
The republic of Latvia is a small European country founded back to 3000 BC when the Latvians settled in the eastern coast of Baltic Sea, however this land will never be the same over time and historical events. Welcome to the 90s, the decade when the crime across the politicians, the government, the culture and finally all the Baltic sea.
If you love history, this is perfect for you; this transports you to Latvia and the landscapes but also this will give you the opportunity to understand the culture of that era passing through important historical moments such as independence, when was founded and to have an overview of the ancestors’ experiences. This book will give you a big perspective comparing the world from that moment and the world as it is now because a lot changed for the people from Latvia with the country’s admission to international organizations such as European nations.
Even when the author writes using some Latvian words, you will understand everything because he makes this lecture super easy, causing you some kind of immersion in the story but also in the Latvian culture and life.
March 11, 2024
Front-line public Law Enforcement in Canada, is something I have a degree of familiarity with, having been in that role for the better part of the last 20 years of my life.
Challenges with the career abound. Somewhat lagging public confidence for a variety of complex reasons. Volatility with morale, (largely because of said public confidence issues, combined with the complicated bureaucracy of Law Enforcement institutions, and the overall demands of public service). The perils of operational hazards that expose Officers to a higher risk of mortality via mortal injury sustained in the line of duty from such things as violent physical confrontations, or motor vehicle collisions. Post-Traumatic-Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to continued exposure to disturbing events. These are just a few of the downsides of the career.
Yet there remains considerable upside. In Canada, Law Enforcement serves enjoy extremely stable employment, (as opposed to our colleagues in the United States who have some measure of risk from layoffs in certain geographic areas and services) exceptional benefits including robust pensions; nominally competitive salaries (averaging between approximately $75k to 100k annually) and steady if not spectacular pay increases through collective bargaining as civil servants; good promotional and specialized assignment opportunities; union protection; still, a relatively high degree of respect and appreciation from the public; and overall an exciting, rewarding, even extremely fulfilling career.
I'd say, on the whole, Law Enforcement is a good profession in Canada, that many people aspire to, and most of those who are part of it, are very proud to be in it.
Law Enforcement is an ever-evolving occupation, but in terms of Canada, while things have certainly changed a lot, the job 20 years ago is very similar to the job today. And while Law Enforcement is different all over the world, there are more similarities, in my opinion, than differences.
Law Enforcement exists, primarily to protect the public and public order, and the safety and well-being of the state's citizens, and enforce the law of the state, prevent crime, and thwart civil unrest.
But while the job has many commonalities, no matter where one works as a Law Enforcement Officer in the world, where you work in the world can make the day-to-day realities of your job, and your living conditions, starkly different than your colleagues in a different country.
For me, those potentially stark differences, between Law Enforcement in somewhere like Canada, and other parts of the globe, never became more apparent, than after reading Eve Koguce's brilliant, raw, disturbing, and exhilarating crime noir / Police procedural (and Pacific Book Awards 2023 Finalist), set in the post-Soviet Latvia of the 1990's, entitled "The Accidental Cop".
Koguce brings the reader to the dark and shady underbelly of one of the most scenic, cultured, and dynamic countries in the world: Latvia, in the Baltic region of Northern Europe, after the fall of the Soviet Union.
It's a place where, beneath all the engaging literature, vibrant arts, fascinating history, and glorious architecture, poor, honest people wallow, and rich, morally bankrupt people excel. Corruption is rampant at all levels of society, including among government officials.
Especially among Police Officials, in a system where former Soviet-Union military personnel dominate the upper echelon of the Police hierarchy. In their world, who you know, who you pay off, and who is paying you off, matters a lot more than your capabilities as a Police Officer.
And Roberts Bergs is a good man, a good cop, trying to - somehow - stay clean amidst the grime.
"'Criminal Law Means for Combating Corruption'. Roberts had read the title of his diploma so many times that the words lost their meaning. Today, before beginning to write a new chapter, he mused at the irony of it. Here he was researching corruption issues dating back to ancient Rome, and nothing had changed over a couple of millennia. If anything, people had become more tolerant of bribery. In ancient Rome, they used the skin of the judge accused of and executed for corruption to cover the seat of his successor. Robert wondered if that practice would change anything in modern law enforcement authorities."
Roberts is also poor. He can barely feed himself on his scanty entry-level Police salary. But he has dreams and ambitions, and refuses to be denied. And, he refused to succumb to the temptation of easing his living circumstances through malfeasance.
"Was it the money? The thought was unsettling. Mainly because it rang true. The self-assured people he'd met all had money. But Dana was right about the method they used to make their fortunes. Was he ready to do what they did to climb the hierarchy ladder? He knew that he wasn't. It didn't matter how desperate he felt when he ran out of money at the end of each month or how humiliating it was not to be able to afford to buy clothes in decent shops. The money wouldn't make him feel better if it was earned in a dishonest way. He couldn't cheat, take bribes, and pretend the law existed for others and not for him. He still believed there was another way to earn a decent living."
Roberts is intelligent. He is fluent in English, a rarity among his Police comrades, and an advantage for future upward mobility in his environment. He is on track to become a lawyer, if he can complete his classes, while he works as a Patrolman of the Public Order Police Patrol. But it's not easy to keep your dreams untarnished when so much around you has lost its lustre, and you are mired in the muck, your belly is empty all the time, and you don't know if you will be able to pay your share of the rent in the tiny apartment you share with your Police roommates.
All the while, Roberts must deal with the considerable stresses and dangers of being a front-line Officer. A click of a trigger or the thrust of a knife or an axe could put an end to all his aspirations of being a lawyer. If the avarice and subornation of his colleagues, or the crushing conditions in which he must exist don't eat him alive first. Latvia is not an easy place for a principled man and cop.
"He felt guilty about not paying attention to her. In fact, they hadn't discussed their relationship or what they expected from each other. Roberts knew why. He didn't expect anything and didn't want to hear her tell him that she did. If she said it aloud, it would become a kind of obligation. And he treated his obligations seriously. As long as they didn't talk about it, it didn't exist."
How can it be possible for a good man, a good cop, to make it out alive?
"Back at the police station, Roberts quickly walked past the duty officer post. He still noticed something unusual about the high panel board. A head was bobbing up and down behind it. It appeared and disappeared at regular intervals. Up and down, up and down. Blonde, with curls, it wasn't Bruno's head. Roberts hurried up the stairs. Boredom and loneliness had gotten to the duty officer. Anyway, it wasn't that anyone would report him for having a good time with a prostitute. No one would notice, and no one cared."
And even if he does, can he do his job, and get justice for the victims of crime and malversation?
The characterization by Koguce continues to be absolutely superlative. The protagonist, Roberts, was crafted in impeccably realistic fashion. The auxiliary players are also fabulous. I don't mean to not give them the proper mention they deserve, but this book was all about Roberts for me.
My personal connection with Roberts as a character was something very special for me.
It was astounding, motivating, and empowering, to see the dogged refusal of Roberts, who had every incentive to just give in, and engage in corruption to raise his standards of living from poverty to something much more comfortable. Almost buried by the oppressive weight of penury, Roberts teeters on the brink, but never gives into despair or unscrupulousness.
He crawls until he can walk, and walks until he can run. He shows the immense and unimaginable courage it took to survive his circumstances, by taking things one hour, one day at a time, surviving one hour, one day at a time. He clings to hope, and his personal integrity and honour, like a drowning man, until he can potentially surface into a brighter future.
This protagonist affected me on levels that I am still processing. I wept openly, agonized for Roberts, over some of the things he endured. I cheered when something good, no matter how relatively small, happened to him. And I FELT, all the way along with Roberts. It is an incredible skill by an author when they can make you feel that deeply for a character. Eve Koguce is an author whose skill in that regard is immense.
Koguce made me not only understand Roberts, but see the elements of Roberts (outside of being a Police Officer) that I feel inside of me, that I believe we feel in all of us. The feeling of hope in the face of overwhelming obstacles. The feeling of needing to be a good person, not caring if no one is watching, not looking for credit for your good deeds, doing good for the sake of BEING good.
I understood, to a certain degree of course, what he dealt with as a Police Officer.
I even understood, to a certain degree (but nothing remotely close) what it meant to not grow up wealthy. But not being wealthy versus being poor are very different states, and I thankfully have never been poor. There has always been more than adequate and ample food, enough clothing, enough shelter, and enough prospects for me to progress in life. Not so for Roberts.
The setting is gritty, and Koguce paints an evocative picture of this setting that she knows intimately - beautiful Latvia, which like all beautiful places, is imperfect, aesthetically and in terms of a society.
"Roberts walked through the Teika neighbourhood to the Police Academy complex, his mind doing a good job at blocking the bleak surroundings of dingy khrushchyovka and dull factory walls but failing to refrain from showing other images instead. Those alluring images of the fresh, sparkling water that one destined to die among the sand might see in a desert."
The themes in this book hit hard, and are so poignant. And they are myriad. Yet the one that stands out for me the most, is the kind of courage it takes to be a Police Officer under the circumstances Roberts finds himself. It takes one kind of courage to face down an armed subject. It takes another kind of courage to stand up to corrupt fellow Officers, truly care about victims of crime regardless of their social status, and treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve, and stay steadfast to your honour, and your values, in the face of scorn, being ostracized, or worse.
Roberts displays that kind of courage, and the cost may be not only his dreams, but his life.
Koguce's lovely writing is always vivid. Her rose is captivating. Some passages of the book are similar to poetic diction.
Witty, dark, sometimes brutal, extremely compelling, "The Accidental Cop" is simply outstanding.
If you enjoy Police procedurals, particularly those delving into Police corruption, murder mysteries, and character-driven stories with gutsy heroes amidst a sea of grey morality, this is surely a book for you.
You may also leave this book feeling very much appreciative of what you have. I certainly did, feeling a deep sense of gratitude as both a Law Enforcement Member, and a person. And I believe I am better for it. You don't have to be in Law Enforcement to experience that feeling of being thankful, and I am confident after reading "The Accidental Cop", irrespective of your job, you will.
Thank you, Eve Koguce, for giving me, and all your readers, that uplifting feeling. I will treasure it. And always remember.
This amazing book that will stay with me forever.
Challenges with the career abound. Somewhat lagging public confidence for a variety of complex reasons. Volatility with morale, (largely because of said public confidence issues, combined with the complicated bureaucracy of Law Enforcement institutions, and the overall demands of public service). The perils of operational hazards that expose Officers to a higher risk of mortality via mortal injury sustained in the line of duty from such things as violent physical confrontations, or motor vehicle collisions. Post-Traumatic-Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to continued exposure to disturbing events. These are just a few of the downsides of the career.
Yet there remains considerable upside. In Canada, Law Enforcement serves enjoy extremely stable employment, (as opposed to our colleagues in the United States who have some measure of risk from layoffs in certain geographic areas and services) exceptional benefits including robust pensions; nominally competitive salaries (averaging between approximately $75k to 100k annually) and steady if not spectacular pay increases through collective bargaining as civil servants; good promotional and specialized assignment opportunities; union protection; still, a relatively high degree of respect and appreciation from the public; and overall an exciting, rewarding, even extremely fulfilling career.
I'd say, on the whole, Law Enforcement is a good profession in Canada, that many people aspire to, and most of those who are part of it, are very proud to be in it.
Law Enforcement is an ever-evolving occupation, but in terms of Canada, while things have certainly changed a lot, the job 20 years ago is very similar to the job today. And while Law Enforcement is different all over the world, there are more similarities, in my opinion, than differences.
Law Enforcement exists, primarily to protect the public and public order, and the safety and well-being of the state's citizens, and enforce the law of the state, prevent crime, and thwart civil unrest.
But while the job has many commonalities, no matter where one works as a Law Enforcement Officer in the world, where you work in the world can make the day-to-day realities of your job, and your living conditions, starkly different than your colleagues in a different country.
For me, those potentially stark differences, between Law Enforcement in somewhere like Canada, and other parts of the globe, never became more apparent, than after reading Eve Koguce's brilliant, raw, disturbing, and exhilarating crime noir / Police procedural (and Pacific Book Awards 2023 Finalist), set in the post-Soviet Latvia of the 1990's, entitled "The Accidental Cop".
Koguce brings the reader to the dark and shady underbelly of one of the most scenic, cultured, and dynamic countries in the world: Latvia, in the Baltic region of Northern Europe, after the fall of the Soviet Union.
It's a place where, beneath all the engaging literature, vibrant arts, fascinating history, and glorious architecture, poor, honest people wallow, and rich, morally bankrupt people excel. Corruption is rampant at all levels of society, including among government officials.
Especially among Police Officials, in a system where former Soviet-Union military personnel dominate the upper echelon of the Police hierarchy. In their world, who you know, who you pay off, and who is paying you off, matters a lot more than your capabilities as a Police Officer.
And Roberts Bergs is a good man, a good cop, trying to - somehow - stay clean amidst the grime.
"'Criminal Law Means for Combating Corruption'. Roberts had read the title of his diploma so many times that the words lost their meaning. Today, before beginning to write a new chapter, he mused at the irony of it. Here he was researching corruption issues dating back to ancient Rome, and nothing had changed over a couple of millennia. If anything, people had become more tolerant of bribery. In ancient Rome, they used the skin of the judge accused of and executed for corruption to cover the seat of his successor. Robert wondered if that practice would change anything in modern law enforcement authorities."
Roberts is also poor. He can barely feed himself on his scanty entry-level Police salary. But he has dreams and ambitions, and refuses to be denied. And, he refused to succumb to the temptation of easing his living circumstances through malfeasance.
"Was it the money? The thought was unsettling. Mainly because it rang true. The self-assured people he'd met all had money. But Dana was right about the method they used to make their fortunes. Was he ready to do what they did to climb the hierarchy ladder? He knew that he wasn't. It didn't matter how desperate he felt when he ran out of money at the end of each month or how humiliating it was not to be able to afford to buy clothes in decent shops. The money wouldn't make him feel better if it was earned in a dishonest way. He couldn't cheat, take bribes, and pretend the law existed for others and not for him. He still believed there was another way to earn a decent living."
Roberts is intelligent. He is fluent in English, a rarity among his Police comrades, and an advantage for future upward mobility in his environment. He is on track to become a lawyer, if he can complete his classes, while he works as a Patrolman of the Public Order Police Patrol. But it's not easy to keep your dreams untarnished when so much around you has lost its lustre, and you are mired in the muck, your belly is empty all the time, and you don't know if you will be able to pay your share of the rent in the tiny apartment you share with your Police roommates.
All the while, Roberts must deal with the considerable stresses and dangers of being a front-line Officer. A click of a trigger or the thrust of a knife or an axe could put an end to all his aspirations of being a lawyer. If the avarice and subornation of his colleagues, or the crushing conditions in which he must exist don't eat him alive first. Latvia is not an easy place for a principled man and cop.
"He felt guilty about not paying attention to her. In fact, they hadn't discussed their relationship or what they expected from each other. Roberts knew why. He didn't expect anything and didn't want to hear her tell him that she did. If she said it aloud, it would become a kind of obligation. And he treated his obligations seriously. As long as they didn't talk about it, it didn't exist."
How can it be possible for a good man, a good cop, to make it out alive?
"Back at the police station, Roberts quickly walked past the duty officer post. He still noticed something unusual about the high panel board. A head was bobbing up and down behind it. It appeared and disappeared at regular intervals. Up and down, up and down. Blonde, with curls, it wasn't Bruno's head. Roberts hurried up the stairs. Boredom and loneliness had gotten to the duty officer. Anyway, it wasn't that anyone would report him for having a good time with a prostitute. No one would notice, and no one cared."
And even if he does, can he do his job, and get justice for the victims of crime and malversation?
The characterization by Koguce continues to be absolutely superlative. The protagonist, Roberts, was crafted in impeccably realistic fashion. The auxiliary players are also fabulous. I don't mean to not give them the proper mention they deserve, but this book was all about Roberts for me.
My personal connection with Roberts as a character was something very special for me.
It was astounding, motivating, and empowering, to see the dogged refusal of Roberts, who had every incentive to just give in, and engage in corruption to raise his standards of living from poverty to something much more comfortable. Almost buried by the oppressive weight of penury, Roberts teeters on the brink, but never gives into despair or unscrupulousness.
He crawls until he can walk, and walks until he can run. He shows the immense and unimaginable courage it took to survive his circumstances, by taking things one hour, one day at a time, surviving one hour, one day at a time. He clings to hope, and his personal integrity and honour, like a drowning man, until he can potentially surface into a brighter future.
This protagonist affected me on levels that I am still processing. I wept openly, agonized for Roberts, over some of the things he endured. I cheered when something good, no matter how relatively small, happened to him. And I FELT, all the way along with Roberts. It is an incredible skill by an author when they can make you feel that deeply for a character. Eve Koguce is an author whose skill in that regard is immense.
Koguce made me not only understand Roberts, but see the elements of Roberts (outside of being a Police Officer) that I feel inside of me, that I believe we feel in all of us. The feeling of hope in the face of overwhelming obstacles. The feeling of needing to be a good person, not caring if no one is watching, not looking for credit for your good deeds, doing good for the sake of BEING good.
I understood, to a certain degree of course, what he dealt with as a Police Officer.
I even understood, to a certain degree (but nothing remotely close) what it meant to not grow up wealthy. But not being wealthy versus being poor are very different states, and I thankfully have never been poor. There has always been more than adequate and ample food, enough clothing, enough shelter, and enough prospects for me to progress in life. Not so for Roberts.
The setting is gritty, and Koguce paints an evocative picture of this setting that she knows intimately - beautiful Latvia, which like all beautiful places, is imperfect, aesthetically and in terms of a society.
"Roberts walked through the Teika neighbourhood to the Police Academy complex, his mind doing a good job at blocking the bleak surroundings of dingy khrushchyovka and dull factory walls but failing to refrain from showing other images instead. Those alluring images of the fresh, sparkling water that one destined to die among the sand might see in a desert."
The themes in this book hit hard, and are so poignant. And they are myriad. Yet the one that stands out for me the most, is the kind of courage it takes to be a Police Officer under the circumstances Roberts finds himself. It takes one kind of courage to face down an armed subject. It takes another kind of courage to stand up to corrupt fellow Officers, truly care about victims of crime regardless of their social status, and treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve, and stay steadfast to your honour, and your values, in the face of scorn, being ostracized, or worse.
Roberts displays that kind of courage, and the cost may be not only his dreams, but his life.
Koguce's lovely writing is always vivid. Her rose is captivating. Some passages of the book are similar to poetic diction.
Witty, dark, sometimes brutal, extremely compelling, "The Accidental Cop" is simply outstanding.
If you enjoy Police procedurals, particularly those delving into Police corruption, murder mysteries, and character-driven stories with gutsy heroes amidst a sea of grey morality, this is surely a book for you.
You may also leave this book feeling very much appreciative of what you have. I certainly did, feeling a deep sense of gratitude as both a Law Enforcement Member, and a person. And I believe I am better for it. You don't have to be in Law Enforcement to experience that feeling of being thankful, and I am confident after reading "The Accidental Cop", irrespective of your job, you will.
Thank you, Eve Koguce, for giving me, and all your readers, that uplifting feeling. I will treasure it. And always remember.
This amazing book that will stay with me forever.
April 28, 2023
The Accidental Cop as the name suggests is the story of a young man who is somewhere he doesn't want to be, caught up in a job which he thinks he dislikes. The only thing that drives him is the thought that on completing his education he will be eligible for a job in an arena he loves ~ law.
Meanwhile Roberts is a conscientious young man and reluctant or not he does his job to the best of his abilities.
He is kind in a world that doesn't care. He is polite in a sea of uncouth behavior and he is honest even when others around him are not.
As fate has it Roberts doesn't find the job of his dreams but keeps advancing in the police force itself. The irony of the situation is not lost on him. And he seems to wonder if fate is playing a game with him?
Will he ultimately find what he is looking for? Does the environment, he is in change him or in the end is he still the same decent young man? Only time will tell?
Definitely worth a read to understand the reality of the life a cop, not so high on the ladder , a young man who finds himself drowning under the crushing weight of unfulfilled dreams. Will he find his way? Will he make it in a world where he often feels disconnected and like a stranger? Accidental Cop by Eve Koguce shows you the way.
Meanwhile Roberts is a conscientious young man and reluctant or not he does his job to the best of his abilities.
He is kind in a world that doesn't care. He is polite in a sea of uncouth behavior and he is honest even when others around him are not.
As fate has it Roberts doesn't find the job of his dreams but keeps advancing in the police force itself. The irony of the situation is not lost on him. And he seems to wonder if fate is playing a game with him?
Will he ultimately find what he is looking for? Does the environment, he is in change him or in the end is he still the same decent young man? Only time will tell?
Definitely worth a read to understand the reality of the life a cop, not so high on the ladder , a young man who finds himself drowning under the crushing weight of unfulfilled dreams. Will he find his way? Will he make it in a world where he often feels disconnected and like a stranger? Accidental Cop by Eve Koguce shows you the way.
November 3, 2025
An exceptional read, especially for those interested in Latvian history. Roberts is an interesting guy, even if his life at times seems as if he's just "going through it". He lives with conviction, and the way he carries himself throughout most of the book is exceptional. But like many of us, eventually the job has you more so than you having a job.
The scenes and settings remind me of TV shows like Law And Order or CSI. This story has many scenes that could serve as subplots for episodes revolving around the main characters and what they're going through, and when we last see Roberts I really believe that could be the start of another novel. We see how he's grown, and how changes have affected him. I feel like we're not yet done seeing his journey.
Overall, I enjoyed this. There's no dead spots, the action isn't too over the top, and everything just feels right. The drama meets the intensity, but neither is overpowering. Definitely check this out if the blurb entices you; I'm glad I did.
The scenes and settings remind me of TV shows like Law And Order or CSI. This story has many scenes that could serve as subplots for episodes revolving around the main characters and what they're going through, and when we last see Roberts I really believe that could be the start of another novel. We see how he's grown, and how changes have affected him. I feel like we're not yet done seeing his journey.
Overall, I enjoyed this. There's no dead spots, the action isn't too over the top, and everything just feels right. The drama meets the intensity, but neither is overpowering. Definitely check this out if the blurb entices you; I'm glad I did.
September 4, 2024
This book is set in the town of Riga, Latvia where the country is struggling to find their own identity after a Soviet Union split. You're immediately immersed in the culture and can feel the freezing cold temperatures as Roberts, the main character patrols.
The story takes a deep dive into the underbelly of the corrupt police force where bribes are a daily occurrence and a way of life. But not for Roberts. He's struggling to make ends meet on his pittance of a salary but refuses to compromise his integrity.
Roberts in likable, relatable and all around stand up guy. He's honest, intelligent and focused with a plan for the future. He wants to be a lawyer to see justice served the right way. I love the way he sticks by his morals and stands firm on what is right, while all those around him succumb to the temptations, playing dirty and dishonest.
You'll root for him as he tackles the brutality of the streets, searching for the truth and justice. All while overcoming the elements of the harsh winter on little to no sleep or food to nourish him.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves a police procedural sprinkled with culture and a great main character who shows determination, resiliency and honesty when faced with adversity.
The story takes a deep dive into the underbelly of the corrupt police force where bribes are a daily occurrence and a way of life. But not for Roberts. He's struggling to make ends meet on his pittance of a salary but refuses to compromise his integrity.
Roberts in likable, relatable and all around stand up guy. He's honest, intelligent and focused with a plan for the future. He wants to be a lawyer to see justice served the right way. I love the way he sticks by his morals and stands firm on what is right, while all those around him succumb to the temptations, playing dirty and dishonest.
You'll root for him as he tackles the brutality of the streets, searching for the truth and justice. All while overcoming the elements of the harsh winter on little to no sleep or food to nourish him.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves a police procedural sprinkled with culture and a great main character who shows determination, resiliency and honesty when faced with adversity.
November 23, 2024
The Accidental Cop is set in Latvia during the post-Soviet rule in the 1990’s, a time referred to as the “savage 90’s era.” A time when a proud country is ruled over the decades by many outside forces, all warring to change the cultural integrity. In 1991, the country was once again set adrift to recover its independent and cultural identity with very few resources and no guidance. This is significant because this tumultuous time affected people in horrific ways in varying degrees. Poverty, corruption, and crime were rampant. The story is about Roberts Bergs, a young man with aspirations to be a lawyer, leaves his home to pursue a better life in the city. There are few options available for anyone who does not have money or influence with important citizens. His only option is the Public Order Police where he does foot patrol while he attends the Police Academy. Without proper clothing for the harsh winter and not enough money to eat the last week of the month, Roberts gets a bird's eye view of the destitute people and the underbelly of crime. Good people are forced to make desperate decisions on how to survive. There are plenty of unscrupulous and callous criminals who exploit and take advantage of them. Kuguce does a suburb job of portraying these stark and poignant scenes that allow the reader to see the dirty, crumbling, and cold concrete buildings, feel the fear and desperation of prostitutes being abused, and understand the hopelessness that leads to so many moral dilemmas. It is raw, heart-wrenching, moving, and tragic.
Roberts total existence is a balancing act. How does he succeed by taking the moral high ground when the very institution he pledges to protect and uphold is fraught with corruption? Or does he? As a reader I was drawn deeper and deeper into this quagmire, feeling Roberts’s determination, fortitude, wavering, hopelessness, and determination as he tries to bring criminals to justice and keep himself alive. I was totally swept up into this dark world and couldn’t put it down. Kudos to Kuguce for this beautifully written and heartfelt story. I highly recommend this story for lovers of crime noir.
January 26, 2025
Eve Koguce's The Accidental Cop is a gripping and unflinching dive into the turbulent world of post-Soviet Latvia in the 1990s, a time and place where survival often might have required compromise. This novel masterfully combines the grit of crime noir with the heart of a character-driven drama, creating a story that is as poignant as it is unforgettable.
The protagonist, Roberts Bergs, is a young patrol officer navigating a morally bankrupt system where corruption is the norm, and decency is often punished. Koguce’s portrayal of Roberts is nothing short of extraordinary. He is not a perfect hero but a deeply human one—starving, overworked, and surrounded by temptation. Yet, he clings to his principles with a tenacity that is both heartbreaking and inspiring.
Koguce's skill as a storyteller shines in her vivid depiction of Latvia during its transitional years. The setting is not just a backdrop but an active participant in the narrative. This attention to detail makes the world of the novel immersive and uncomfortably real.
The story is as much about the protagonist’s resilience as it is about crime and corruption. Roberts' journey is a testament to the strength it takes to hold onto hope and honor in a world that seems designed to crush both. Each moment of grace—a kind gesture, a fleeting success—is a triumph that feels earned and deeply moving.
Koguce's prose is razor-sharp, capturing the brutal realities of Roberts' life while also allowing space for moments of reflection. The pacing is impeccable, with every chapter drawing you deeper into Roberts' struggles.
This novel is more than just a police procedural or a tale of survival—it is a powerful exploration of things that makes us… well, us. Themes of integrity, resilience, and the cost of staying true to oneself resonate throughout.
For readers who appreciate deep characters, morally complex narratives, and rich settings, The Accidental Cop is a must-read. It’s a book that doesn’t just entertain but also challenges you to reflect on your own values and the world around you. A raw, dark, and ultimately uplifting tale, this novel deserves every one of its five stars.
The protagonist, Roberts Bergs, is a young patrol officer navigating a morally bankrupt system where corruption is the norm, and decency is often punished. Koguce’s portrayal of Roberts is nothing short of extraordinary. He is not a perfect hero but a deeply human one—starving, overworked, and surrounded by temptation. Yet, he clings to his principles with a tenacity that is both heartbreaking and inspiring.
Koguce's skill as a storyteller shines in her vivid depiction of Latvia during its transitional years. The setting is not just a backdrop but an active participant in the narrative. This attention to detail makes the world of the novel immersive and uncomfortably real.
The story is as much about the protagonist’s resilience as it is about crime and corruption. Roberts' journey is a testament to the strength it takes to hold onto hope and honor in a world that seems designed to crush both. Each moment of grace—a kind gesture, a fleeting success—is a triumph that feels earned and deeply moving.
Koguce's prose is razor-sharp, capturing the brutal realities of Roberts' life while also allowing space for moments of reflection. The pacing is impeccable, with every chapter drawing you deeper into Roberts' struggles.
This novel is more than just a police procedural or a tale of survival—it is a powerful exploration of things that makes us… well, us. Themes of integrity, resilience, and the cost of staying true to oneself resonate throughout.
For readers who appreciate deep characters, morally complex narratives, and rich settings, The Accidental Cop is a must-read. It’s a book that doesn’t just entertain but also challenges you to reflect on your own values and the world around you. A raw, dark, and ultimately uplifting tale, this novel deserves every one of its five stars.
May 18, 2023
A Powerful Exploration of Corruption and Justice...
In "The Accidental Cop" by Eve Koguce, we follow the story of Roberts Bergs, a patrolman in the Public Order Police patrol battalion, who had to make difficult choices early in his life due to his limited options. While his coursemates at the Police Academy are living in the cocoon of their parental homes, Roberts is struggling with poverty, and hunger, and trying to survive his patrol shift without getting killed by a crazed drunkard with an axe. Despite his difficult circumstances, Roberts remains passionate about arts, history, and literature, and dreams of becoming a lawyer. He believes in human dignity and freedom of choice but quickly learns that in the system run by Soviet-era ex-militia officers, who you know counts for more than your abilities, qualifications, and knowledge. Despite the corruption and lack of justice in the system, Roberts keeps climbing up the career ladder.
As the plot unfolds, the tension between those who conform to the corrupt system and those who value honesty and justice intensifies. Roberts faces increasingly difficult decisions, forcing him to choose between staying true to his principles or yielding to the ruthless system. Set in Latvia during the first post-Soviet decade, "The Accidental Cop" blends elements of noir crime and police procedural with psychological suspense, creating a dark and gritty atmosphere that keeps the readers hooked.
The author's writing style is gripping, and the characters are well-developed, with a palpable tension between Roberts and his colleagues. Through her exploration of the psychological impact of corruption and the pursuit of power on individuals, Koguce raises important questions about justice and the corrupt systems that undermine it. Thought-provoking and powerful, "The Accidental Cop" is a must-read for fans of crime fiction and anyone interested in delving into the psychological toll of corruption and the pursuit of power.
In "The Accidental Cop" by Eve Koguce, we follow the story of Roberts Bergs, a patrolman in the Public Order Police patrol battalion, who had to make difficult choices early in his life due to his limited options. While his coursemates at the Police Academy are living in the cocoon of their parental homes, Roberts is struggling with poverty, and hunger, and trying to survive his patrol shift without getting killed by a crazed drunkard with an axe. Despite his difficult circumstances, Roberts remains passionate about arts, history, and literature, and dreams of becoming a lawyer. He believes in human dignity and freedom of choice but quickly learns that in the system run by Soviet-era ex-militia officers, who you know counts for more than your abilities, qualifications, and knowledge. Despite the corruption and lack of justice in the system, Roberts keeps climbing up the career ladder.
As the plot unfolds, the tension between those who conform to the corrupt system and those who value honesty and justice intensifies. Roberts faces increasingly difficult decisions, forcing him to choose between staying true to his principles or yielding to the ruthless system. Set in Latvia during the first post-Soviet decade, "The Accidental Cop" blends elements of noir crime and police procedural with psychological suspense, creating a dark and gritty atmosphere that keeps the readers hooked.
The author's writing style is gripping, and the characters are well-developed, with a palpable tension between Roberts and his colleagues. Through her exploration of the psychological impact of corruption and the pursuit of power on individuals, Koguce raises important questions about justice and the corrupt systems that undermine it. Thought-provoking and powerful, "The Accidental Cop" is a must-read for fans of crime fiction and anyone interested in delving into the psychological toll of corruption and the pursuit of power.
September 25, 2025
Accidental Cop by Eve Koguce blew me away. What a ride! Set in Latvia at the end of the 1990s, a time of political and human struggle for the country, I was fascinated to dive into a world that I knew very little about. The author masterfully weaves the history and harsh realities of those times into a gripping and deeply human story. Roberts Bergs works for the police - not out of passion, but because in a country riddled with corruption and instability, survival often trumps choice. Even then, he can barely put food on his own table. He wants to become a lawyer and make a better life for himself, but in a society where influence matters more than ability, that dream feels painfully out of reach. Around him, his colleagues turn a blind eye to injustice, yet Roberts clings to his belief that people deserve dignity, respect, and the chance of a better life. That conviction makes him both admirable and vulnerable, especially as the temptation to compromise his principles grows stronger and he begins to wonder whether those labeled as “criminals” are always truly villains, or simply victims of a broken system.
What stood out for me in this book is not only the story but the writing itself. Eve Koguce’s prose is vivid and immersive, pulling you into a stark reality where you can feel the cold seeping into Roberts’ bones, the weariness pressing down on him, and the confusion that clouds his judgment. This is not only a gripping psychological thriller, but also a powerful exploration of morality, resilience, and the human cost of corruption. Accidental Cop is vivid, atmospheric, and utterly compelling. A novel that both thrills and makes you think. Can’t recommend it highly enough.
What stood out for me in this book is not only the story but the writing itself. Eve Koguce’s prose is vivid and immersive, pulling you into a stark reality where you can feel the cold seeping into Roberts’ bones, the weariness pressing down on him, and the confusion that clouds his judgment. This is not only a gripping psychological thriller, but also a powerful exploration of morality, resilience, and the human cost of corruption. Accidental Cop is vivid, atmospheric, and utterly compelling. A novel that both thrills and makes you think. Can’t recommend it highly enough.
April 24, 2023
THE ACCIDENTAL COP is another outstanding novel set in Latvia by talented author Eve Koguce. This novel is set during the “savage 90’s” after the fall of the Soviet iron curtain when the country found itself in a state of great poverty and struggle. I loved reading this book both from the perspective of a thriller and also to learn from a historical perspective. Roberts Bergs is a young police officer who is studying to be a lawyer. One thing the book does an excellent job of is portraying the bleakness of the situations many Latvians, especially young people, were facing in this time period. There were few job opportunities and if you could find any job, you took it, even if you didn’t like that job. Robert lives in a dorm room with half a dozen other people, and is always hungry. There are other stories shown, including Raivo, a wealthier friend, and some of the other police officers. Robert is called upon to investigate a murder that occurs at a nightclub in the city, which is an interesting part of the novel. I liked seeing how eventually his story comes full circle over the course of the novel. I love books that cause me to think and teach me about things I never knew, and I really enjoyed this! 5/5 stars.
May 13, 2023
How does a moral man survive and advance in an immoral workplace, when he has no choice about being there? Such is the case for Roberts Bergs, a young man from the countryside of Latvia, who goes to the big city to find work during the tumultuous decade when the country was emerging from the shadow of the debunked Soviet Union—the 90s. Work is scarce, and the pay is poor, especially for those who aren’t willing to break the law.
In The Accidental Cop, author Eve Koguce brings us an in-depth look into this young man’s soul and his country’s faltering start as an independent nation. You literally walk the streets of Riga with young Roberts during this fascinating but terribly cruel era. (He has become a patrol cop because it was the only job he could find.) He’s smart but honest, and honesty doesn’t pay the bills. He aspires to do more and works hard doing it, but in the end, the inertia of tough times will very likely take him down.
I’ve read other books by this author, and her writing style is highly descriptive and demonstrates authority about what she’s portraying, but the words flow effortlessly and beautifully from one page to the next. Will it be a happy ending for Roberts? Not likely, but then again, there’s always hope.
In The Accidental Cop, author Eve Koguce brings us an in-depth look into this young man’s soul and his country’s faltering start as an independent nation. You literally walk the streets of Riga with young Roberts during this fascinating but terribly cruel era. (He has become a patrol cop because it was the only job he could find.) He’s smart but honest, and honesty doesn’t pay the bills. He aspires to do more and works hard doing it, but in the end, the inertia of tough times will very likely take him down.
I’ve read other books by this author, and her writing style is highly descriptive and demonstrates authority about what she’s portraying, but the words flow effortlessly and beautifully from one page to the next. Will it be a happy ending for Roberts? Not likely, but then again, there’s always hope.
April 12, 2023
In “The Accidental Cop,” Author Koguce provides a grim picture of a young police officer in training, Roberts, at the tail end of the “Savage 90’s” era in Latvia. Roberts stand out from his fellow officers because he has a decent command of the English language and is completing classes in law that would allow him, if he chooses, to become a lawyer. In addition, he resists the common practice of accepting bribes. Roberts will not violate his principles despite the fact that his salary is a pittance; he does not earn enough to buy sufficient food for himself. Thus, he is always starving in the days before he receives his next paycheck.
I found this to be a fascinating portrait of a caring and conscientious police officer’s daily routine, including forensic investigation methods. Roberts’ good work does not go unnoticed, and he is admired by a few in the police force, but he also becomes the object of envy and derision by others. Can an honest man like Robert thrive in this environment?
“The Accidental Cop” is an wonderful choice for anyone who likes crime stories or psychological fiction!
I found this to be a fascinating portrait of a caring and conscientious police officer’s daily routine, including forensic investigation methods. Roberts’ good work does not go unnoticed, and he is admired by a few in the police force, but he also becomes the object of envy and derision by others. Can an honest man like Robert thrive in this environment?
“The Accidental Cop” is an wonderful choice for anyone who likes crime stories or psychological fiction!
May 4, 2023
The Accidental Cop by Eve Koguce delves into the moral challenges faced by Roberts Bergs, a patrolman in the Public Order Police patrol battalion, who grapples with limited opportunities early in his life. While his Police Academy peers enjoy the comforts of home, Roberts battles poverty and hunger while risking his life on perilous patrol shifts. Despite his hardships, he maintains a fervent passion for arts, history, and literature, aspiring to become a lawyer and upholding values of human dignity and freedom of choice. However, he soon discovers that personal connections outweigh qualifications in a system controlled by ex-Soviet militia officers. The story intensifies the tension between those who conform to corruption and those who prioritize honesty and justice. Roberts faces increasingly difficult moral decisions, torn between his principles and the ruthless system. Set in post-Soviet Latvia, the book blends noir crime, police procedures, and psychological suspense to explore the moral complexities of corruption and power. Koguce's compelling narrative prompts reflection on the moral dilemmas individuals face within corrupt systems.
June 3, 2024
“Roberts sat back again. That was how he felt about his life. He had fallen into the water and was now living as if constrained by its mass. Every day presented a challenge.”
The Accidental Cop. It is slow. The wording is somewhat awkward at times. The story is sometimes hard to figure out.
And that is the intent. Because Eve Koguce is not presenting an easy, breezy police story.
Instead, it is a gentle love story, meant to be understood gradually and savored. And it’s a terrific story!
And it’s not about the Baltic state of Latvia, with its beautiful sea shores, medieval castles, and famed Art Nouveau architecture.
Instead, it is gritty, the characters are shady at best, and the picture it paints is not very pretty.
This is the story of Roberts Berg. A policeman, more by accident and circumstance, trying to find his role in life in the initial years after Latvia became independent of the Soviet Union.
I thought it was a terrific book. And fans of crime drama will love it too.
But, take it slow. Roberts deserves your attention, support, and understanding.
The Accidental Cop. It is slow. The wording is somewhat awkward at times. The story is sometimes hard to figure out.
And that is the intent. Because Eve Koguce is not presenting an easy, breezy police story.
Instead, it is a gentle love story, meant to be understood gradually and savored. And it’s a terrific story!
And it’s not about the Baltic state of Latvia, with its beautiful sea shores, medieval castles, and famed Art Nouveau architecture.
Instead, it is gritty, the characters are shady at best, and the picture it paints is not very pretty.
This is the story of Roberts Berg. A policeman, more by accident and circumstance, trying to find his role in life in the initial years after Latvia became independent of the Soviet Union.
I thought it was a terrific book. And fans of crime drama will love it too.
But, take it slow. Roberts deserves your attention, support, and understanding.
January 18, 2025
The story takes place at the turn of the century, the late 1990s through the early 2000s. The location is Latvia shortly after leaving the Soviet Union and through the country’s joining NATO.
The protagonists is a young man who joined the police patrol in his teens for lack of a better opportunity. His intelligence, drive and honesty make him an ill fit for the corrupt department he finds himself in. But he continues his education in the hopes of finding something better.
The story is fascinating in that I wonder if I could stay as true to myself as the main character does. It takes place in an environment and culture that is literally foreign to me. It is dark, cold, and very noir.
My only complaint is that it moves very slowly. At more than 300 pages it drags a bit. And we’re almost half-way through before the signature murder that launches the action. To be fair, we do go back to earlier events in the book. Unfortunately the reader is unaware of that until the back half of the book.
Still, it’s a worthwhile read. I’ll likely check out other offerings from this author.
The protagonists is a young man who joined the police patrol in his teens for lack of a better opportunity. His intelligence, drive and honesty make him an ill fit for the corrupt department he finds himself in. But he continues his education in the hopes of finding something better.
The story is fascinating in that I wonder if I could stay as true to myself as the main character does. It takes place in an environment and culture that is literally foreign to me. It is dark, cold, and very noir.
My only complaint is that it moves very slowly. At more than 300 pages it drags a bit. And we’re almost half-way through before the signature murder that launches the action. To be fair, we do go back to earlier events in the book. Unfortunately the reader is unaware of that until the back half of the book.
Still, it’s a worthwhile read. I’ll likely check out other offerings from this author.
January 27, 2026
I read The Accidental Cop by Eve Koguce with the feeling of following someone caught up in an unexpected adventure. The story is entertaining, straightforward, and easy to read, with a touch of humor that makes even the most tense moments feel relatable and real.
What I liked most was how the author portrays a character who, overnight, is forced to take on a role she never imagined: being a police officer. Through her decisions, mistakes, and lessons learned, we see how she faces difficult and sometimes comical, but always human, situations.
It's a book that combines action, suspense, and moments of reflection without becoming overly complicated, perfect for those who enjoy stories about everyday life pushed to the limit and how ordinary people can surprise themselves.
What I liked most was how the author portrays a character who, overnight, is forced to take on a role she never imagined: being a police officer. Through her decisions, mistakes, and lessons learned, we see how she faces difficult and sometimes comical, but always human, situations.
It's a book that combines action, suspense, and moments of reflection without becoming overly complicated, perfect for those who enjoy stories about everyday life pushed to the limit and how ordinary people can surprise themselves.
May 6, 2023
The Accidental Cop by author Eve Koguce is a thriller story, strongly based on the psychology of its young character Roberts Bergs, a young man starting his development in the Police Academy, in Latvia at the end of the first post-Soviet decade. The focus is on the decisions that he must make in his career, the dilemmas between following the established rules and the concept of justice. Within this plot, the noir crime, the suspense and the administrative police procedures are perfectly weaved to give birth to an engaging book.
All in all, the book is exciting, gripping, and action-packed. So, I recommend it to everyone who likes the psychological thriller genre.
All in all, the book is exciting, gripping, and action-packed. So, I recommend it to everyone who likes the psychological thriller genre.
May 6, 2025
An interesting read about a young man, Roberts Bergs, in 1999 Riga, Latvia. The country is emerging as an independent nation after many years under Soviet rule, corruption is rampant, and those without connections like Roberts must make their way as best they can.
This character driven story tells of a place I know nothing about. The descriptions of the bitter cold winter, the Soviet era buildings, and Roberts own struggles in his job along with his introspections are well-written - easily drawing the reader into the story. Roberts is a character who is easy to root for, and you will hope his ending is a happy one.
This character driven story tells of a place I know nothing about. The descriptions of the bitter cold winter, the Soviet era buildings, and Roberts own struggles in his job along with his introspections are well-written - easily drawing the reader into the story. Roberts is a character who is easy to root for, and you will hope his ending is a happy one.
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