The Real Happy Valley: True stories of crime and heroism from Yorkshire’s front line policewomen

by Alice Vinten

A collection of real-life cases showing the bravery of female police officers.Former Police Constable Alice Vinten shares the stories of brave policewomen who spent their entire careers at the sharp end of crime-fighting.The Real Happy Valley reveals what life on the beat is really like. From dealing with domestic abuse cases to facing personal assaults, gang crime and murder, these courageous women stop at nothing to bring criminals to justice, never failing to put others' safety before their own.Gripping and inspiring, The Real Happy Valley is a celebration of our finest policewomen's extraordinary courage, and their peerless commitment to protect and serve.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime, Crime

288 pages, Paperback

Published November 23, 2023

Reviews

[Kai · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was harrowing, hilarious and haunting in one fell swoop.
I think it accurately captures the challenges faces by police on a day to day basis, the emotions of the humans behind the uniform but also with the added spin of focusing on the amazing Female officers that are often unnoticed but every bit the core of policing today as their counterparts!

Well worth a read!

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspirational true crime stories from police women who have served in the Yorkshire Police force. At times distressing, disturbing, and often very gruesome. Their bravery and courage is exceptional and I have a new respect for all those women who join the police and face some unbelievable and difficult situations on a daily basis.

[Nick Davies · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the one hand, I admired what the author was aiming to do here - highlighting the work that female police officers do, selflessly putting themselves in danger for public safety, discussing the challenges that they and the emergency services in general face. The book was frank and insightful and made for a compelling read in the main.

However, I just felt there was something a little 'off' about the style in which the book was presented. The author has interviewed and tells the story of a range of female officers in Yorkshire, and compares and contrasts them with the fictional heroine of the 'Happy Valley' TV series. I found this a bit odd, it felt slightly forced and unnecessary, perhaps even like cashing in on the popularity of the drama in a manner that had some easy to appreciate and some less understandable motivations. I also found it (like a book about RNLI rescues I read a few months earlier) slightly flat and simplistic in the writing style, for all that what was being described was interesting.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting collection of short stories from the real frontlines of modern day policing in the UK. The author takes inspiration from a popular crime drama, however each chapter is dedicated to the experiences of a real policewoman and her most memorable case. Topics such as domestic abuse, child neglect, untreated mental illness and murder are some of the subjects discussed.

Well written, thought provoking (if a tiny bit over dramatised in its descriptions at times), recommended for true crime buffs.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like her first effort, On the Line, this book is packed with tension, interest and fantastic writing.

Eleven chapters highlight particular incidents, ranging from domestic violence and mental health issues, to theft and murder, all of them handled by female police officers. At least two of the chapters were quite harrowing.

Vinten has a wonderful eye for detail and is excellent at describing a scene to put you in it immediately. Given Vinten is an ex cop herself, you know you are in good credible hands.

I sincerely hope this is not her last project, whether it be non fiction or whether she decides to try her hand at fiction. Whatever she does it will be well worth reading.

[Abbie Boaler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing emotional book about inspiring women in the police force and different cases they have worked on. I do wish it went more in dept about certain cases, and wasent so stop start, but I know the author was trying to tell as many story’s as possible🤍

[Kenneth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspired by the Happy Valley TV series a former cop is inspired to tell some of the stories of real British Police Women. This is accurate and very real and a great portrayal of the bravery of women in Policing. The stories give a real insight into Policing and it is a gripping read throughout.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspiring and emotional!

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was so close to being 5 star, but the length of the chapters and the introductions stopped me.

The Real Happy Valley tells true tales of brave policewoman who work for the Yorkshire Police Service. Although mainly a fiction reader, I don't mind reading the odd true story when they are Police related. As a woman in the Force myself, I like being able to read and relate to others experiences.

The tales told in this story are gripping, however the chapters are extremely long. There are only 11 or 12 chapters and it's a nearly 300 page book. However, the stories are gripping enough that you read through them fairly easily.

The only other thing that prevented 5 stars, was that each chapter was introduced by talking about the main character Catherine Carwood of the TV drama Happy Valley. I have not seen the show and although I have no issue with the antidotes, by the 10th chapter I was fed up of the job constantly being related to Catherine and the other characters of the show. I didn't mind one or two, but it got a bit tiring after that.

Otherwise - a good read!

[Kellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It's very inspirational true crime stories from police women who have served in the Yorkshire police service.

I admire what this author was aiming to do here - highlighting the work that female police officers do, selflessly putting themselves in danger for public safety, discussing the challenges that they and the emergency services in general.

This book was so open and honest and is a interesting collection of short stories from the real front lines of modern day policing in the UK. The author takes inspiration from the popular crime drama, each chapter is dedicated to the experiences of a real policewoman and her most memorable case. Topics such as domestic abuse, child neglect, untreated mental illness and murder are some of the subjects discussed.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book from start to finish and I would highly recommend this book

[Holly Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Real Happy Valley by Alice Vinten

When I purchased the book I didn’t realise that it relates to Happy Valley the series which is on BBC1 I think, I will have to watch this now.

This book is really interesting it talks about Police Women, and their true experiences of being on the frontline. And how actually it’s quite scary putting yourself in a vulnerable situation in helping to save and protect the community

Could I do this job no.. I will stick to being a carer

But it’s women like these who have fought against the stigma that men should be doing this job

Thanks for a great read Alice I am going to purchase your other book to read

[Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good read, quite harrowing in some places, some parts made my stomach turn I have to admit. Police women should definitely be admired..... its not an easy jib and to condition yourself to have to switch off isn't easy. Putting your life on the line every day .....
I would definitely recommend this book as a good read.

[Lynda Lomax · Rating 1 out of 5]

As a serving police officer for over 32 years it’s the biggest load of rubbish I have ever read. If she got paid any think for writing this ,she should be ashamed . A comic would be better reading. Is she in the real world and she never served her full time.
Don’t bother reading this it’s absolute rubbish. Only bought it’s I assumed it would be interesting stick to happy valley .

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing insight of women police officers working in the Yorkshire area. there are 11 different stories all except chapter 4 have name changes and street names changed but the events described are real. Chapter 4 talks about Sharon Beshenivsky and is true including the officers name who sadly lost her life in the line of duty.

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could hardly put this down. So interesting on multiple levels. And because I have watched Happy Valley itself, I particularly liked the introductions to each chapter, discussing the similarities (and dissimilarities) between fiction and fact. Brilliant. An easy five stars.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a little sceptical when I bought this book as I am a retired Police Officer. However, the shared experiences were so lifelike. People wouldn’t believe some of the things Police Officers do. Some make you laugh and others make you cry.

[silver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed, easy ready. Very harrowing

[Paige Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Thought it was a great insight into the life of female cops

[Nicki Williamson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Got bored, quite repetitive and hammed up style. I don't like dramatised non-fiction so this wasn't for me.

[Chantel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, couldnt put it down

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally didn't want to put it down, a fantastic read!

[Nancy Dinan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The police force is innately corrupt of course but these women are exactly why I could never hate the police

[Heather Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5!

[Rebecca Fowkes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. It is a easy read and they are real life stories.

[Laura Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting and insightful book. Some of these stories will stick with me a long time, I am very surprised about the things that police officers have seen or been through. Credit to them!

[Jayne Spry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was an ok read

[Yvonne Panrucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such bravery and compassion from all of these women officers

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast paced read that kept you interested. I can’t abide grammar errors though…

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great insight into real police women dealing with real crimes.

[Eileen Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read and very interesting