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The Nostrils Series #2
From Black to Blue
It is February 1985 in east London and probationary Police Constable Chris Pritchard steals five thousand pounds at the scene of a old lady's death. Delighted at first to be out of his dire financial situation, it soon dawns on the young officer that he has committed an act of dreadful dishonesty and he sets out to make amends. Within hours however his complicated private life draws him ever deeper into the epidemic of police corruption engulfing Stoke Newington police station.
Suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, convinced his own arrest is imminent and racked with guilt, PC Pritchard fears his world is about to come crashing in. An unexpected turn of events however puts his true character to the test.
Suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, convinced his own arrest is imminent and racked with guilt, PC Pritchard fears his world is about to come crashing in. An unexpected turn of events however puts his true character to the test.
- GenresFiction
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2013
116 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Cox
16 books34 followersJonathan Cox retired from the Metropolitan Police in 2013 and within days had published 'The Blue Trilogy', in which he hoped to capture the atmosphere and attitudes of policing in the 1980s.
Only ever intended to be just the three books, such was the success of the trilogy, four sequels followed; 'When You Wear The Blue', 'We Don’t Call Them Raids’, ‘A Necessary Fiction’ and ‘Purple Cover’ - making the complete set a seven book series.
The stories are penned with a deference to realism born of personal experience and have become a cult read for serving and retired officers.
The series follows the life of PC Chris Pritchard, aka Nostrils, who joined the Met in 1983 and like the author, was posted to a police station in London's tough East End. Each subsequent book is set several years later and collectively they trace the main character's police career via his numerous postings and his slow rise through the ranks.
Pritchard is an anti-hero, fatally flawed in so many ways, yet honest at heart and always loyal to his friends.
Jonathan's career was largely spent investigating police and public sector corruption and so his books tend to slant in that direction. He also completed postings on the murder squad, several crime squads, the Met fraud squad, a witness protection unit, a financial intelligence unit, a team investigating historic terrorist offences in Northern Ireland and counter corruption surveillance teams. He worked in Turkey on a policing project for HMG and spent many years seconded to a large government department combating corruption. During several of these postings, it was necessary for Jonathan to assume covert identities.
Jonathan concludes "Being a policeman was, and still is, the best job in the world. I was privileged to work alongside some really great people, many became life long friends, a few, pretty impressive enemies. I wish both every future happiness and success."
For up-to-date information on the series, including details of live events and the latest special offers, please follow the author's Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/FromGreenToBlue
Only ever intended to be just the three books, such was the success of the trilogy, four sequels followed; 'When You Wear The Blue', 'We Don’t Call Them Raids’, ‘A Necessary Fiction’ and ‘Purple Cover’ - making the complete set a seven book series.
The stories are penned with a deference to realism born of personal experience and have become a cult read for serving and retired officers.
The series follows the life of PC Chris Pritchard, aka Nostrils, who joined the Met in 1983 and like the author, was posted to a police station in London's tough East End. Each subsequent book is set several years later and collectively they trace the main character's police career via his numerous postings and his slow rise through the ranks.
Pritchard is an anti-hero, fatally flawed in so many ways, yet honest at heart and always loyal to his friends.
Jonathan's career was largely spent investigating police and public sector corruption and so his books tend to slant in that direction. He also completed postings on the murder squad, several crime squads, the Met fraud squad, a witness protection unit, a financial intelligence unit, a team investigating historic terrorist offences in Northern Ireland and counter corruption surveillance teams. He worked in Turkey on a policing project for HMG and spent many years seconded to a large government department combating corruption. During several of these postings, it was necessary for Jonathan to assume covert identities.
Jonathan concludes "Being a policeman was, and still is, the best job in the world. I was privileged to work alongside some really great people, many became life long friends, a few, pretty impressive enemies. I wish both every future happiness and success."
For up-to-date information on the series, including details of live events and the latest special offers, please follow the author's Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/FromGreenToBlue
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 16, 2019
So real it takes me straight back there
Stoke Newington Section House in the 70’s and 80’s. GN (Stokey) itself with all the politics (with a small p) and the changing world we witnessed in that period. This is a classic UK cop story along the lines of The Choirboys and Serpico. Fictionalised where it needed to be and truthful to the point it sometimes hurts but well done Jonathan - a classic for all, not just serving and retired officers of the era.
Stoke Newington Section House in the 70’s and 80’s. GN (Stokey) itself with all the politics (with a small p) and the changing world we witnessed in that period. This is a classic UK cop story along the lines of The Choirboys and Serpico. Fictionalised where it needed to be and truthful to the point it sometimes hurts but well done Jonathan - a classic for all, not just serving and retired officers of the era.
April 13, 2024
*Gifted but as always an honest review*
I found this book really easy to pick up from the first and as the first book was so memorable I could really get invested in the characters again. This second book follows Chris now aged 21 as he continues working through the police force in the 80’s. This book continues to look as police corruption and specifically how Chris is involved with stealing some money. Chris was just as likeable as the first book and it was good to see him take the mentor role now when it came to Kitty who is probably the most infuriating character! This book very much feels straight out of the eighties due to the language and some of the themes used. Would definitely like to pick up the third book which I believe completes this trilogy. I was pleased to see Chris get some luck in this book from his bombing pay out as well as his medal. Also as someone with a father in the free masons it was fascinating to get a little insight ! Only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars was because the first books ending set the bar so high for me !
I found this book really easy to pick up from the first and as the first book was so memorable I could really get invested in the characters again. This second book follows Chris now aged 21 as he continues working through the police force in the 80’s. This book continues to look as police corruption and specifically how Chris is involved with stealing some money. Chris was just as likeable as the first book and it was good to see him take the mentor role now when it came to Kitty who is probably the most infuriating character! This book very much feels straight out of the eighties due to the language and some of the themes used. Would definitely like to pick up the third book which I believe completes this trilogy. I was pleased to see Chris get some luck in this book from his bombing pay out as well as his medal. Also as someone with a father in the free masons it was fascinating to get a little insight ! Only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars was because the first books ending set the bar so high for me !
December 20, 2020
Another great read from Jonathan Cox
Like first book I couldn't put the damned thing down. Read it over two nights when lately I'm struggling to read a book a month! Certainly took my mind away from what is currently going on in the world. Bought the third one in the trilogy, not starting it until tomorrow.
The further adventures and ups and downs of an 80s copper now a couple of years in. Well written, in parts sad, exciting, funny and all the rest.
Not my normal reading genre. Is now though!
Like first book I couldn't put the damned thing down. Read it over two nights when lately I'm struggling to read a book a month! Certainly took my mind away from what is currently going on in the world. Bought the third one in the trilogy, not starting it until tomorrow.
The further adventures and ups and downs of an 80s copper now a couple of years in. Well written, in parts sad, exciting, funny and all the rest.
Not my normal reading genre. Is now though!
August 13, 2022
Pleasantly Surprised
I got the first book in this series for a bargain 99p and enjoyed it so much that I purchased the rest of the books, 7 in all. I have read a lot of police procedurals in my time and I would put this series high on my list. Drama, humour, blunders and sadness, rookie cop Chris Pritchard has been through them all as he does his basic training and more as he learns the duties of a PC. I have read two books so far, can't wait to read the rest. I would definitely recommend this series.
Five Stars.
I got the first book in this series for a bargain 99p and enjoyed it so much that I purchased the rest of the books, 7 in all. I have read a lot of police procedurals in my time and I would put this series high on my list. Drama, humour, blunders and sadness, rookie cop Chris Pritchard has been through them all as he does his basic training and more as he learns the duties of a PC. I have read two books so far, can't wait to read the rest. I would definitely recommend this series.
Five Stars.
September 2, 2023
A Great Police Procedural
Great writing of a ripping good story. This book just rolls right through without a pause. The character development is, although complex, amazingly well done and thorough. I really enjoyed the twists and turns of the trajectory of the protagonist’s journey and the impact on his life and career. I believe the novel shows a clear understanding of the life of a young police officer and the obstacles they face daily as well as how the reactions to those experiences affect not only them, but their associates. Highly recommended reading this novel.
Great writing of a ripping good story. This book just rolls right through without a pause. The character development is, although complex, amazingly well done and thorough. I really enjoyed the twists and turns of the trajectory of the protagonist’s journey and the impact on his life and career. I believe the novel shows a clear understanding of the life of a young police officer and the obstacles they face daily as well as how the reactions to those experiences affect not only them, but their associates. Highly recommended reading this novel.
September 30, 2021
A lot of stories rolled into one
Lots of urban myths and job stories all wrapped around one young PC trying to find his way in the bad old days of the Met . A non job person might find this shocking that corruption was so rife but this book is using lots of anecdotes and job myths and placing them in one year at one Nick . It wasn't really like that !
It's a good read I enjoyed it and will read how this young man progresses in his career.
Lots of urban myths and job stories all wrapped around one young PC trying to find his way in the bad old days of the Met . A non job person might find this shocking that corruption was so rife but this book is using lots of anecdotes and job myths and placing them in one year at one Nick . It wasn't really like that !
It's a good read I enjoyed it and will read how this young man progresses in his career.
March 23, 2022
Just finished reading this today (book 2/7) absolutely fantastic read. 5*/5*.
The way it follows on from the first book (from green to blue) and the way it keeps mentioning things that happened in the first book, it is a must read, but must be read in order.
Looking forward to book (3/7) 'from blue to brown'
The way it follows on from the first book (from green to blue) and the way it keeps mentioning things that happened in the first book, it is a must read, but must be read in order.
Looking forward to book (3/7) 'from blue to brown'
December 2, 2020
so Chris Pritchard continues his adventures, its a cross between the bill and carry on movie at times and i loved it , there are funny bits, sad bits and scary bits
Chris Pritchard is a rogue but a loveable rogue
Chris Pritchard is a rogue but a loveable rogue
January 4, 2022
Phenomenally gripping story
This second book is as gripping if not more so than the first. Full of accurate details about police procedure and life in the Met laced with thrilling twists and turns. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
This second book is as gripping if not more so than the first. Full of accurate details about police procedure and life in the Met laced with thrilling twists and turns. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
August 10, 2022
After reading the first book I didn't fancy reading this because I was happy how the first one finished.
However om glad that I did, its a bloody good book, however Jonathan Cox manages to finish his books on a downer
However om glad that I did, its a bloody good book, however Jonathan Cox manages to finish his books on a downer
September 2, 2023
excellent
This is the second book I’ve read in this series and found it exceptionally written with a lot of truths it seems the eighties was the start of the politically correct police force
This is the second book I’ve read in this series and found it exceptionally written with a lot of truths it seems the eighties was the start of the politically correct police force
June 15, 2024
Second in the series - thoroughly enjoyable.
Second in the series and as good as the first with the further adventures of Nostrils in Stoke Newington. Again finished in a day and looking forward to the third.
Second in the series and as good as the first with the further adventures of Nostrils in Stoke Newington. Again finished in a day and looking forward to the third.
April 23, 2025
Fascinating look back to the police force when I was younger
Love the character nostrils so innocent a loveable copper love his journey can't wait to read the next book on my Kindle
Love the character nostrils so innocent a loveable copper love his journey can't wait to read the next book on my Kindle
July 12, 2020
A Great Read
A book about people who are police officers, and their immediate families. Not an easy read if you are judgemental. Well worth a read whether or not you were/are 'job'.
A book about people who are police officers, and their immediate families. Not an easy read if you are judgemental. Well worth a read whether or not you were/are 'job'.
August 26, 2020
Another great book.
I am afraid that once I pick one of this series up I do not put it down until finished.
I am afraid that once I pick one of this series up I do not put it down until finished.
September 3, 2020
Great second book full of Hummer some of which is dark as you would expect given the time frame of the story,s well worth reading totally enjoyed the insight in to the police force of the time .
May 26, 2021
A good read
Well enjoyed a nice easy read glad it's fiction .but the good guy comes out on top as all ways
Well enjoyed a nice easy read glad it's fiction .but the good guy comes out on top as all ways
July 27, 2021
Good read
I really enjoyed this book it was funny and interesting all the way through.I will definitely read the third in this series
I really enjoyed this book it was funny and interesting all the way through.I will definitely read the third in this series
March 18, 2022
The good old days
Another great read.
A must read for those of us who served in the 80’s and 90’s
It’s got it all
Another great read.
A must read for those of us who served in the 80’s and 90’s
It’s got it all
May 1, 2022
A great follow up
Book 2 was just as hilarious and sad as the first.
Can't wait to read the next installment in Nostrils career.
Book 2 was just as hilarious and sad as the first.
Can't wait to read the next installment in Nostrils career.
September 5, 2023
Intriguing
For an ordinary police officer, this was a wild psychological ride - and dragged the reader along with it. Excellent read!
For an ordinary police officer, this was a wild psychological ride - and dragged the reader along with it. Excellent read!
November 20, 2023
Great story
Well written with great characters. The story was obviously well thought through, as I found no plot holes. Will read more by this author
Well written with great characters. The story was obviously well thought through, as I found no plot holes. Will read more by this author
April 16, 2024
Very well written, plenty of drama and humour skilfully combined. A real page turner, I completed this book in record time. Looking forward to the next in the series.
June 20, 2024
Absolutely brilliant yet again! Can’t wait to start the next one in the Nostrils Series. Thanks Jonathan, keep up this amazing writing!
June 24, 2024
loved the story lines easy reading
I read book 1 couldn’t wait for book 2, now I’m away to get book 3 really good reads, good story lines has everything about how police work.
I read book 1 couldn’t wait for book 2, now I’m away to get book 3 really good reads, good story lines has everything about how police work.
July 14, 2024
#2 KINDLE
October 30, 2024
As factual as fiction can be.
A fine mix of humour and pathos about life as a young copper as you're going to find anywhere. A great read!
A fine mix of humour and pathos about life as a young copper as you're going to find anywhere. A great read!
February 6, 2025
Brilliant read with some very cutting humour. Takes me back 30 years!!
April 21, 2025
outstanding
This book is brilliant. I can’t wait to read the other 8 books. I’m so glad I found Jonathan Cox. His writing is just brilliant.
This book is brilliant. I can’t wait to read the other 8 books. I’m so glad I found Jonathan Cox. His writing is just brilliant.
October 7, 2025
Very good read... dont want to say too much to give anything away.. I feel as if I was there at Stoke Newington police station which I have actually been in there quite a few times
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews