Curbchek-Reload

Curbchek #3

by Zach Fortier

CurbChek Reload is a compilation of calls handled by Zach Fortier. This is a more accurate account of the street...at least the streets as i worked them. You will accompany zach down some dark alleys, into crack houses, chase teenage prostitutes and try to breathe life into the dying. The humor is dark. It’s real cop humor, not the canned jokes made up by people who write about cops, but the stuff they actually laugh about as they try to cope with the dark realities of the job.
Hang on for a rollercoaster ride full of unexpected twists and turns.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Memoir

228 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 22, 2012

About the author

2013 Readers Favorite Bronze medal winner
2014 Readers Favorite Gold and Silver medal winner
Finalist in 2014 Chanticleer Book awards contest
2015 IPPY Bronze Medal winner
2015 semi finalist Kindle Book Awards (X2)
2015 Finalist in the IAN book awards (X2)
2015 Readers Favorite Bronze medal winner
2015 Readers Favorite Finalist true crime/non fiction(x2)
2015 Finalist Kindle Book Awards
2015 Finalist USA Today book awards (x3)
2015 Finalist Chanticleer Clue book awards(x3)
2015 First place award in the Chanticleer Clue book awards contest in true crime.
2015 Winner of the Book Pipeline contest.
2016 Winner of the NIEA book awards in African American non fiction
2016 Finalist Kindle Book awards
2017 Next Generation Indie Book Awards winner in suspense genre.
2017 Finalist in the NIEA Book Awards in Suspense genre
Finalist in Biography General in the 2017 American Book Fest International book awards
Finalist 2017 Kindle Book awards
Short List 2017 Chanticleer Clue awards.
Bronze medal in the 2017 Readers Favorite Book contest in Suspense genre
Awarded Silver medal in the 2018 eLit Book Awards contest in the Mystery/thriller genre Finalist in Biography genre in the 2018 Book Excellence awards contest.
Bronze medal in the 2018 Readers Favorite Book contest in Thriller genre
Semi finalist for 2018 Chanticleer Clue awards
Solo medal winner of the 2018 New Apple Book awards contest in the Psychological Thriller category.
Solo medal winner in the 2019 Book Excellence book award contest in the suspense genre .
Bronze medal winner in the 2019 Readers Favorite international book awards contest in the fiction-suspense genre
Named as an Official Selection in the 2019 New Apple Summer E book awards contest in the Psychological Suspense genre
First Place winner in the 2019 Top Shelf book awards contest.
Winner of the 2020 Book Excellence book awards contest in Sci Fi Genre
Awarded 1st place in Chanticleer's 2020 Cygnus book awards contest for Science Fiction

Zach Fortier was a police officer for over thirty years specializing in K-9, SWAT, gangs, domestic violence, and sex crimes as an investigator. He has written several books about his life in police work. CurbChek won the bronze medal for True Crime in the 2013 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards. Street Creds and Curbchek Reload won a gold and silver medal respectively for True Crime in the 2014 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards. His other works are Hero To Zero, which details the incredibly talented cops that he worked with that ended up going down in flames, some ended up in prison and one on the FBI’s ten most wanted list. Landed on Black described the toxic culture of the police department and streets, ultimately leading to the realization that Zach has been diagnosed with PTSD. I am Raymond Washington is the only authorized biography of the original founder of the Crips and has been awarded bronze medals in 2015 by both IPPY and Readers Favorite International book awards. Baroota: The Hunting Ground is Zach’s first fictional work, and is the start of this series, followed by Cachibache, Izadi and Chakana. All books in the Director's Series are award winning. If you are looking for gritty, true crime stories, be sure to check out all of Zach Fortier’s novels. Zach currently lives in the mountains of Colorado, with his wife Christina.



www.zachfortier.com
E mail: authorzachfortier@gmail.com

Reviews

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Explicit, intense, raw & brutal!

Wow, I feel emotionally drained after reading this book, I cannot even begin to imagine what it must be like to do this for a living. These case must change you, there's no way you can remain the same innocent, naive person after going through experiences like this.

"Cops will tell you this shit doesn't get to them. Cops lie."

The book is really well written. There's 36 chapters each with accounts of cases or interaction with colleagues. There are some lighthearted chapters about the pranks that they pulled on each other ('meeouw' :), a few cases with happy endings, but mostly the cases are actually really disturbing. Zach worked in the city where lots of cases were drug related, and drugged up people do some crazy twisted dark shit when they are under the influence.

I have a deep respect for the author based on this book. Sure he is paranoid as hell (can't blame him though) and I would never try to approach him on the street, but he cares and made a difference where he could (especially in the cases with children).

Now I have to somehow forget about all these things I've just read otherwise there's no ways I'm falling asleep tonight.

[Jeannie Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is probably true that most people feel they are exempt from the law one reason or another. Everyone thinks they are special and can speed through school zones, smoke meth, drive drunk, beat their spouse - whaever they want to do and when the cops show up - they respond just like the Mountain in this novel who said, "Why don't you go out and arrest some real criminals and leave me alone?"
Zach never thought he would be hooked up with a beautiful female cop in the ride-along program. This female was quiet, smart and the first ride-along he actually thought might be able to become a good cop.
But, sometimes things get out of hand.
Loved this book! It was written by a good author as well as a real-life good cop who knows how to write good novels as well as fight crime.
I encourage everyone to go along for the ride - but be sure to put on your bullet-proof vest and fasten your seat belts. It is going to be a wild ride.

Jeannie Walker - Award Winning Author of "Fighting the Devil" - A True Story of Consuming Passion, Deadly Poison, and Murder

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever wanted to go on a ride-along with the cops because you thought it would be cool? Did you ever watch the show COPS and think they had a tough job? Well you haven't seen anything until you have read Curbchek-Reload. Fortier takes you on a ride with him at many of his most difficult, violent, heart wrenching, and disturbing calls. Some of these will make you question your own sanity. You will read things you never thought could be true, but they are. My dad is a cop and I used to always ask him about his calls. Never again. I praise the police officers, especially the guys in Zach’s position for dealing with what they have to deal with. These guys are everyday heroes, but they will never welcome being called that. Do I want to go on a ride-along? No chance…and especially not with Zach. This was a great read...may have nightmares about some of it, but a great read nonetheless.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really interesting (albeit graphic) book about a cop's real world stories patrolling a dangerous area of a major city.

It's interesting to see these crimes from the point of view of an experienced cop. He talks openly about the emotion and paranoia that comes with the job. The media makes it seem like most cops are just like us, but after reading this book I see that this job is emotionally exhausting and takes a toll on their personal lives.

The book is mostly well-written, and Fortier makes the reader feel like he or she is there with him. I found it captivating, and it was a quick read.

[Aimeekay · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the fine print on the front cover states this is CurbChek's darker, meaner, cousin. Please do not ignore these words. This book takes you more than just one step further into Zach Fortier's world. This one is just as good as it's predecessors. Fortier is straight forward and quite blunt in his description of his life on he force. Though I really hate to use the word blunt since it sounds so negative. But he doesn't try to sugar coat the realities he faced everyday. He does however paint an amazingly vivid picture of what he went through and while it isn't always pretty it still catches the eye and draws one in. Forcing you to look even when you would normally want to turn away. True life is sometimes harsh and cruel, and as I said before the author doesn't shy away from painting it as he sees it. But there in lies why his books are so good, he doesn't try to paint it any differently then what it is. He just lays it all bare. Even the positive parts aren't embellished or tarted up to make them into a fairy tale ending, and somehow it makes them even more meaningful that way.

As I just said not everything in his newest book is negative. Whether he means to or not, he also introduces us to some people who actually would want there to be a difference in the world they are living in. (Or maybe they just stand out more because of the filth they are surrounded by in their daily lives) Fortier lets us see some of the positive effects he had on people. While I don't know if it completely balances out all of the bad, it definitely proves he wasn't always out there for no reason. He did make a difference in peoples lives.

We also get introduced to some of the people he worked with who he actually liked and got along with. Plus his partner EMO, from his time in the K-9 unit. ( I want to see a picture of Lassie the Land Shark!) Also to balance out a lot of the darker moments there are some down right funny one. I found myself laughing on more than one occasion and making people read what I read just to watch them laugh too. Now notice I said read what I read not I read it out loud to them. Some of these funny parts are dirty in their own way too, so please don't hand this book over to a youngster who might be interested in police work, or reality t.v.. Definitely not appropriate for under 18. But sooooo funny! Unless you are easily offended you will find yourself laughing at certain parts as well.

Getting back to the "not for under 18" and the part about it being "CurbCheK's darker, meaner cousin", in short it is. It is much darker than Curbchek was, at least in certain spots, and if you've read CurbCheK you know that it was already dark. But unless you are truly easily offended I wouldn't let this deter you from reading this newest book by Fortier. Yes the author takes the reader to dark places, places that reflect both the world he was physically in as well as the darkness that he was mentally in at the time. But it also shines a light on these places. Showing them to the outside world, so that maybe the person reading it can get a glimpse into life in the darker places and the people who inhabit them. It also shines a light into the psyche of the police who go into this world everyday. They have to adapt to survive there, otherwise the things they see might send them screaming into the night. Also the funny parts aren't all dirty or dark, there are a few that are just plain funny.

If you enjoyed, or were intrigued, by either one, or both, of Fortier's first two books, definitely pick this one up. It is worth it. If you have never read the author's work before I still highly recommend reading this one. Just remember I did warn you that there are some graphic and disturbing scenes.

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book I’ve read by Zach Fortier, and I have to say it’s probably going to be the last. Fortier's books are “fictionalized” incidents from his past life as a police officer. CurbChek Reload is described by the author as “CurbChek’s darker, meaner cousin” and he’s not wrong. This book was mean, in more ways than one.

CurbChek Reload has the same format as Fortier’s other books. The short chapters describe “calls” during his time on the streets or memorable interactions with co-workers on the force. For the most part, each vignette stands on its own as a separate occurrence and doesn’t tie into the book as a whole, other than to show how many horrific events the author has witnessed. And believe me, these stories are pretty horrific. Aside from being grossed out, I was shocked at the author’s ability to talk about them with little or no emotion. Perhaps being a cop for twenty-five years gives one the ability to put emotions on the back burner, but reading his matter-of-fact accounts simply made me feel sorry for him. Instead of displaying emotion, Fortier pats himself on the back for being the only cop in the department who knows what he’s doing. In his eyes, every other cop on the force is “lazy,” “fat” or “stupid.” He is routinely able to calm down “tweaking” drug addicts, contain mobs that are about to get out of control, and talk criminals into giving up information. He could be called the “drug addict whisperer” for his uncanny ability to sooth the savages on the streets.

It’s taken me three books to figure out what is missing here: I wanted more of an overall arc to the book, a sense that the author has a point to make at the end, a conclusion that perhaps his many years as a cop were worth the agony, sadness and tediousness of the job. But CurbChek Reload simply ends as abruptly as it begins. By the end of the book I didn’t feel any sense of the author having accomplished anything, except to sensationalize crime. Even a book like this, which is cloaked as “fiction” but isn’t, could benefit from a bit more depth. After reading so many gruesome accounts of murder, domestic abuse, drug deals gone bad, and even bestiality, I was hoping for an epiphany of sorts from Fortier. What has he learned from all this pain? What conclusions has he drawn about the human race? I can tell that he feels anger, toward both his fellow cops and society in general, but as a driving emotion, anger gets old fast. We get it! You’re angry! I wanted a spark of optimism at the end, something that left me feeling that life is worth living. Aside from one chapter where Fortier saves a woman from committing suicide, I felt very little hope.

On a happier note, Fortier’s writing has improved by leaps and bounds since his first book, CurbChek. Sentences flow smoothly, and much of the cop slang that bothered me in the first book is thankfully absent. But good writing aside, I can only recommend this book to people who love to be shocked and grossed out. I’m sure the author’s point of writing these books is to remind us that the world is not always a happy place. And for those of you who enjoy being reminded of this, I’m sure Fortier has many more stories to tell.

Many thanks to the author for supplying a review copy.

This review originally appeared on Books, Bones & Buffy.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first time that I read CurbChek Reload I read it so fast turning page after page parts of the book began to haunt me and I had to read it a second time revisiting places that Zach went to on his calls… one place the river… I went picturing the men carrying the log imagining myself with my glock aiming the click of my trigger three times… Remember the eyes on the walls and ceilings watching… the fire on the stove as a child cries for his mommy… The wife and her favorite dog… the rape of a young girl traveling the country with her husband… mental illness killing a friendship…and so many other stories that are engraved in my mind… I would love to know more about the secret business and the secrets locked inside. Zach a hero to some and a demon to others… Life is not always what WE see...as I turned the pages my mind living in this authors mind dark, dangerous, and death followed me as I became one of HIS ride-alongs... My favorite is Chapter 12 it is very detailed and well written.

By reading all of Zach Fortier’s books I even learned some things from Z my eyes are opened to gruesome scenes sometimes shocked, horrified, nauseous, and sometimes I even wanting vengeance. Zach wants us all to know how important it is to listen to the bad feelings we sometimes feel and respond to them by not ignoring them. He wants us to be safe. Z fights other people’s wars he also fights the evils in his own life finding himself damaged and paranoid fueling his PTSD. I think of cops’ sick twisted humor but cannot stop from laughing at some of the chapters in CurbChek Reload.

I began to wonder about the people Z touched damaged by their experience… Z a broken man twisted by fate in a messed up world… alone and broken… hoping he finds a way out. I would love to see CurbChek, StreetCreds, and CurbChek Reload combined into a novel with all his characters fully developed. Z leaving no stone unturned ALL details even the hidden ones included not in just glimpses but flowing in a complete storey.

I think of Zach Fortier the stories his anger and rage closing doors in his mind his disregard for others and his disregard for himself putting himself in danger seeing his need for one of the bad guys to end his life. I think how he saved some people and how he tried to save ones that could never be saved. I still wonder how he stays alive then I remember why he survives. I think of his daughter in StreetCreds… needing more from the books… needing more because I can stop reading about the man who calls himself Zach Fortier.

I called my mom and asked her not to read this book...her answer to me, "I already read it!"

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was extremely excited to be able to review Curbchek: Reload. I absolutely loved Zach's two other books, Curbchek and Streetcreds, and they were extremely enjoyable reads. I am glad to say that I actually loved Curbchek: Reload even more than the past two books!

Like the summary from the back of the book says, this book has some dark humor, and I agree. There was more humor in this book compared to the last two, at least from what i remember, and some of it was pretty hilarious to read about, while at the same time some of it was kind of disturbing. I loved it. And in general this book is darker that the past two, with a some more unsettling stories than the past two books. Reload honestly had me cringing... a lot. It was a scary to read about some of these things that have actually happened, and just trying to imagine what it would be like to have to deal with those cases. The book overall was tense and dark, with the perfect amount of humor to lighten it up every so often... well lighten it up to a somewhat less dark level, haha.

I still really enjoy Zach's writing style. It makes me feel like I am right there while all the action happens, as everything in the stories just flows together at once, not really sugar coating anything, just getting right to the point. It comes across as raw and real, which I really enjoy for this genre. Overall, it is easy to get wrapped up in Zach's writing style once you get used to it. It is fast paced and hard to put down, and I read this one about in two sittings.

I'm not really sure what it is that made me like Curbchek: Reload more than the past two books. I really enjoyed the stories told in the past two, but there was just something that struck me more in Reload. I really liked seeing more of Zach's adventures as a cop on the street, and I just think the stories were even more intense in some ways and some of them definitely incited more of a reaction than some of the other stories, just based on their levels of disturbing-ness. Especially the story with pictures of baby eyes all over the wall. That story was freaky. I definitely would not have slept after doing a case like that 0_o

Overall, if you enjoyed Streetcreds or Curbchek, Curbchek: Reload is a must read. Even if you haven't read the other books, it isn't hard to get right into the story of Reload, though I suggest reading the others, just because I think it enhances the enjoyment level. Anyway, check out the book and let me know what you think!

Rating: Five Stars

[Renee Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an introduction to the life of an American Cop! CurbChek- Reload is a book full of events that Zach Fortier has experienced during his time as a Police Officer. It was like reading episodes of Law and Order and let me tell you, he didn't hold back on the details at all! The gruesome true stories were a shock to the system as he recalled every single detail of the horrific events he encountered ranging from drug related crimes to rape crimes and everything in between.

Zach Fortier is a copper who seems to like going solo. Going on calls alone unless its absolutely necessary for back-up. He is also the type that will do the morally right thing as oppose to what the system thinks is right. In other words he's not a dick who flaunts his badge. He's the type of cop that you can respect.

Throughout the book I found myself having all kinds of reactions and feelings with every story he told. I was shocked, disgusted, appalled, and sad. Add in the fact that these are all true stories, makes it all the more worse. It's definitely cementing the fact that humans are one effed up race.

One thing that stuck out most was how Zach handles each and every call-out he gets. He's professional yet takes things personally. He has a tough skin on the outside but still has feelings. I don't know how he does what he does. I sure couldn't do it! So thank-you Zach for opening my eyes to what really happens out there in the real world.

Crime novels aren't usually my pick of genre but I am so glad I read CurbChek- Reload. It was a real eye opener that I could not put down. I would recommend to anyone who can handle raw and honest stories. Really not a book for the softies.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Curbchek-Reload:Curbchek's Darker Meaner Cousin by Zach Fortier

I wish to thank Zach Fortier for providing me with a copy of his book for my honest review. I thought this book was amazing.

The novel centers around some of the actual calls, handled by Zach Fortier, a former police officer, responded to during his 20 some-odd years on the job. Only the names were changed to protect the guilty. Some of the guilty are street thugs, transients and gangbangers, others wear blue uniforms.Zach explains the difference between "day walkers" versus "night walkers".He tells us that working the day shift really sucks.Here is a cop trying to make a difference. But this cop never followed the rules.He did what he thought was right.He took the reader inside the street culture of the inner city.While a lot of the cases or incidents were brutul, there was also some real humor.

After reading this novel, I only have a better appreciation for what it means to be a cop...I wouldn't want to walk in their shoes.You have to have a very keen mind and a passion for preserving life in this cruel world.I understand the frustration he must have gone through on a daily basis dealing with some of the jerks that he had to report to in management.Personally, I only take fault to some of the stupid policies that management implements, without thought or reason.Recently, here in Toronto, the police officers have been told to process one booklet of tickets per week to meet their quota.Go figure...

[Jeff Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dragnet: Just the Facts Mame.

If you like no nonsense, cut to the chase monologs, this is for you. I couldn't help but flash back to the old 1960's TV show as I read this book. There is no sensationalism or over the top descriptions running through the thirty-six chapters of police calls Officer Fortier describes. I will warn readers they may be put-off at times with the monolithic approach when it comes to the most heinous crimes. Why? There is no compassion what-so-ever in the reports. This is the books strength and weakness at the same time. You will find yourself in the officers shoes as the calls move from domestic challenges, to prostitution, rape, child abuse, murder, gang fights and then an unexpected thank you. Did that get your attention?

The only drawback I found was the paragraph structure. At times it was non-existent and some chapters felt like one big paragraph, but then, when it comes to filling out a police report, good paragraph structure isn't the key, it's getting the facts and events correct.

One thought which kept resonating through the events was, what a lonely existence this officer endured. For the most part, he seems distant and aloof with the majority of his Brother's in Blue. Very sad.

Who will like this? Anyone who enjoys their police stories to be hard hitting and factual.

[Shannon Gambino · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Curbchek-Reload' is a fast-paced read and much like its predecessors. Mr. Fortier indulges the readers in a grand scale of paranoia as he shoves us with two hands into both the dark shadows of the night and the absurdity during daylight hours. The readers continuously ricochet between gruesome acts and the police officers' warped sense of humor. Zach thrusts us upon scenes of violent murders, gang rape, Schizophrenia, traffic accidents, and more while interspersing head-shaking comic relief involving but not limited to flashlights, bodily fluids, stubborn K9 dogs, and overflowing toilets. Regardless of all the stories, this book also contains small, random acts of gratitude which provide Zach with a modicum of hope that his work on the streets is worth it and does positively affect others.

I admit 'CurbChek-Reload' is my favorite of the three books Mr. Fortier has published thus far. I prefer reading about the real, non-sugary grit of life then the make-believe of those who think they know what the streets are like when the lights go out at night. Two thumbs-up and a huge “Thank You” to Zach and the rest of the men and women who risk their lives daily to keep us safe.

[Hilary "Fox" · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, thank you first-reads program for sending me a book I otherwise probably never would have heard of - let alone read. I signed up for this giveaway genuinely curious, and in the end, got much more than I bargained for.

The book contains a series of short stories, brief experiences cut from the author's time as a cop. The stories are alternately horrifying, disgusting, hilarious, and twisted. That the stories are true is never in doubt, no matter how outrageous the claims. While the writing isn't professional, it doesn't need to be. The writing style helps rather than hinders the telling - I, for one, felt as if it was 3 am at some all-night convenience store and I was listening in to the author telling me these twisted tales...and yeah, at times I wanted to stop listening.

I've had friends go into paramedics, ems services and the like. I've had friends who were volunteer firefighters, or had spent a tour in Germany during WWII or served as a sharpshooter in Vietnam. I've never known a cop personally, but judging from this book they're all cut from the same cloth.

All in all, I'd recommend this book to anyone who mistakingly thinks of it as an easy job. Want a real look at cop life? Pick up this book, and don't expect to sleep for a while.

[Ashley Fontainne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darker, meaner cousin? More like a rabid dog chasing you down for dinner!

As I said in my previous review of Curbchek,
I come from a long line of cops. Reading this book was like walking into the bar my grandfather used to haunt, full of war-torn cops swapping stories. Each chapter is devoted to describing a particular scene or case, and Zach Fortier has the ability to place you in the seat right next to him.

Your heart will race, your breathing will become erratic and your skin will tingle as your adrenaline begins to pump. You will also find yourself laughing out loud at times from the pranks that officers tend to pull on one other to ease the tension of witnessing the seedier side of humanity.

Once again, this book is not for the faint of heart. A few of the chapters had me so enraged that I wanted to hurl my Kindle across the room. Or find the sorry excuse for a human that had committed such an atrocity and strangle him myself.

Zach's books should be required reading for every cadet in every single training facility around the country. The honesty and emotional journey of what to expect while on the street is an eye-opener. Scared straight?

You bet.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

CurbChek-Reload is a very well written darker and more explicit extension of CurbChek. It is a brutal and raw look into the darkest side of humanity and the things that people are capable of doing to one another. Once again Zach makes you feel as if you are the silent partner along for the ride, there are calls and images that I can't get out of my head and I wasn't even there. Nothing is left out, the stories will make you sick as this book is far more disturbing than the others, however it is reality, be it Zach's, yours, mine, the neighbors....the stories in here are a harsh reality of the horrible things that happen on a daily basis without mainstream knowledge. There is some comic relief for sure, but for the most part, Reload is much darker than Curbchek and Streetcreds put together, yet the book draws you in from page one. If you want a deep, dark glimpse inside the world of of a cop, then read, but be prepared to be shocked. If you like sweet stories with butterflies and fluffy bunny's, then this isn't the book for you."

[Holly Cochran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've accidentally read the Curbchek series out of order - Read #1, then this one (#3) and need to go back and catch StreetCreds. Regardless, these are gritty, honest, no-holds-barred glimpses into the life of a street cop. Told in the language we (cops and ex cops) use - no BS, no sugar coating, no avoiding the hard topics, and always with a dose of very dark humor for the most inappropriate things. The first book I swore was written by my ex husband (a cop) under a pseudonym, because it read like a chronicle of our lives. This book (#3, like I said) has convinced me that although Zach Fortier is not my ex husband's pseudonym, his experience, my ex's and my own as cops are surely not isolated. Every tale in this book had me nodding my head, mentally saying "yep, and then those sons-a-bitches did....", or adding my own story. Any book that can draw in a crusty old broad like me, make me smile and wince at the same time, and wish to have a few dozen beers with the author - aces. Highly recommended.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all three of Mr. Fortier's books, and I enjoyed all of them, but "Curbchek-Reload" is the one I liked the best.

The stories in this book are completely raw and brutal - stabbings, suicides, murder, child abuse - not for the faint of heart, but absolutely gripping. Some of them leave you nauseated, some of them leave you sad for the outcome, but most of all you feel awe that the author survived all of this with mind and body intact.

The book is broken down into small chapters, which is helpful as some of them require a breather after reading them. I'm sure that horrible things like this happen every day in every city in America, but because of the Police we are sheltered from them. If this book doesn't make you appreciate law enforcement, nothing will.

Highly recommended for fans of true crime.

[Star · Rating 5 out of 5]

Curbchek-Reload is definitely Curbchek's darker meaner cousin, but in some ways it is also the most "hopeful" of all three books (Curbchek, Street Creds, and Curbchek-Reload). Most assuredly it is for mature adults only. There is a thread of light you can see in Curbchek-Reload, showing that all Officer Fortier does on a daily basis is not for naught. Nothing is black or white/light or dark, but composed of millions of shades of gray when you're working to protect people from others (and themselves). I still love the writing style which makes you feel as if you are riding along on the beat. While I would never want to be a police officer, I have the utmost amount of respect for officers like Fortier who put themselves and their sanity on the line daily.

Books by this Author: Curbchek, StreetCreds

[Name Marla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was contacted by Zach and asked to read Curbchek Reload before it was published, to see if I thought it was a page turner. Page turner? I don’t have to read it to know that it will be a pager turner – that is what his books are! However, I eagerly accepted as I couldn’t wait to read his third book. It was, indeed, a page-turner from page one. I actually like it even more than Curbchek, which I didn’t think possible. The stories are raw and emotional. Knowing these are actual recounts of the calls that Officer Fortier responded to makes me doubt humanity. I am a true “daywalker.” I know there is a lot of unscrupulous behavior “out there” but actually reading the reality of it is another story. I highly recommend Curbchek Reload and am hopeful there will be future books from Zach.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in the classic Fortier style that we have come to love in CurbChek and Street Creds, Zach’s third book doesn’t disappoint. Throughout the stories, you see that the cops are just another gang in the world of urban warfare. Throughout this book, the reader gains further insight into why Zach describes himself as “damaged and broken”. This book is chocked full of much darker stories and cases than we saw in the previous books. It is downright disturbing to read about some of the horrific details that Zach encounters…yet he does give a bit of comic relief to keep the whole thing from being too brutal. Yet, as hard as it was to imagine being there, with the transients and the ride-alongs, CurbChek-Reload captures your attention and holds it until the end.

[Judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fortier's memoir of his experiences on the beat is like sitting next to a former cop at a bar and listening to his stories of life on the beat. Written in an informal, conversational tone, he leaves nothing back, the stories are graphic and gritty, revealing the dark, seamy underbelly of urban crime.

This is definitely a book for guys, especially the ones who as little boys liked lifting up rocks to see what was crawling around underneath. There are lots of disturbing and creepy stories in this book, some of which I'd rather not have read.

But I'm sure there are plenty of people who love creepy and disturbing, otherwise no one would watch "Criminal Minds."

[Stephani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cant decide which of Zach's books are better than the others!!! This book is just as incredible as his other two. Zach really defines how the police work. The truths to these books are horrifying and yet seeing the situations through his eyes makes it more real. Again very easy to read, Zach has his writing career for a long time. Fantastic book I cant say it enough. I hope there will be a fourth book!!!! If so I will be first in line (scratching and biting) to get it!!! Congrats Zach, I will pass on this book and definately Rate it a Total Must Read!!!!!!!!

[Sheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it was very realistic and and the job down pat. In regards to the politics and nutcases who will come up ask you where a certain store is that you could never afford. People think seem to thank that officers are just standing there for the public's use.

Mr. Fortier sounds like a fantastic officer, he may a lone wolf but he know when back up is required. All in all I like Mr. fotier and I'll be looking for other books he has .

[Miley Styles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Hardcore and gritty and a very relaxed, easy going writing style that grows on you. This wasn't just writing this was education. I was looking at life from a perspective that I hadn't even considered before. Fresh and original and definite must-read in my books. Being a writer it really gave me some good insight as well.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It reminded me of what Dragnet would sound like today. I really enjoyed hearing the true stories from a policeman's point of view. I won this book through Goodreads Firstreads. It was worth every minute I spent reading it.

[Laima]

**I won this book from GoodReads as a firstreads free giveaway.** Look forward to reading this true crime novel and will write a review when completed.

[Alaina Maxam · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a very well written book. enjoyed learning what happens from a cops point a view.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark, gritty, and sometimes pretty disturbing. An interesting look at the dark life of a cop.

[Nena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding! See my review of Curbchek.

[Tom mosedale]

Preferred the 1st one

This book was ok but didn't quite get me as gripped as the last 2 did, still a good read though.