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Way of the Warrior #1

Way of the Warrior

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The Best-Selling Criminal Procedure, Criminal Law, and Forensic Science series!


No holds barred law enforcement philosophy


Whether you're a hard luck grunt working the street or a white shirt administrator who'd need a GPS to find it, Way of the Warrior is for you. A twenty year veteran of patrol, investigations and narcotics work, as well as a second-generation cop, best-selling author Bernard Schaffer has something to say about the True Blue Line.


Equal parts biography and instructional guide, Way of the Warrior focuses on the core of the individual officer: the warrior spirit. It discusses how to successfully uphold the law and not lose your mind in the process.


From the author: "The police are a modern warrior society. We're protecting the homeland and families from every threat conceivable, doing it on rotating shifts that interfere with our home lives and physical well-being, and facing insidious politics in the process. The Job is far more than just carrying a badge and a gun. Way of the Warrior is my perspective on what it means to serve and protect. All the emails I get from cops around the world tell me I'm not alone, and if you're reading this, neither are you."

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First published June 7, 2011

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185 people want to read

About the author

Bernard Schaffer

87 books282 followers
Bernard Schaffer is an author from the Philadelphia area.
His acclaimed Santero and Rein Thriller series features Carrie Santero and her mentor, the troubled Jacob Rein. The Thief of All Light, An Unsettled Grave, and Blood Angel, are available from Kensington Books.
His western trilogy debuted in 2021 as part of the Ralph Compton imprint with Berkley Books. All three titles, Face of a Snake, Snake's Fury, and Hell Snake, were selected as Walmart paperback exclusives.

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5 stars
90 (43%)
4 stars
53 (25%)
3 stars
42 (20%)
2 stars
15 (7%)
1 star
5 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Charles Hoffman.
18 reviews
August 2, 2016
Not what I was expecting...

There were some good parts in the book. Author Schaffer is a good writer when he is telling "warrior" stories but a lot of the book was a monologue about Mr Schaffer's personal philosophy, not liking the gun industry, not liking the NRA, etc. This created a thought in my mind that maybe he thinks nobody should have guns except law enforcement? Scary.
Profile Image for Stephen Fickey.
2 reviews1 follower
January 10, 2016
Not a bad read at all and I feel the first half is very informative to new police and even seasoned vets. However, when reading latter entries it what is the add-on chapters in the 2nd half, it starts to feel that the author truly is more of an author than a cop. I stopped reading after an entire chapter on how his view of black lives matter is right and he gives no validation to all lives matter encompassing blacks, whites, Hispanics, Asians, literally all people. Otherwise well written and not a terrible read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
9 reviews
September 22, 2017
80 % agree

Lost me with the religion stand point. An investigator must leave his religion at the door and use logic . And he is ignoring the union pro gun control lobbing and that NRA members have not been involved with any of the shootings.
Profile Image for Tanya Eby.
Author 982 books251 followers
July 27, 2017
Such a cool book. I'm not a police officer, but this gave me great insight into how they think, the code they follow, and that sometimes when they may seem insensitive, it can be because they're following a wider goal of protecting the people. Schaffer has a great man-on-the-street tone here and is honest that not everyone in blue is a hero, but there are ways to fix the issues in law enforcement. This is a terrific read for cops, for everyday people, for writers interested in crime fiction, for those interested in philosophy. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for April.
2,201 reviews58 followers
November 30, 2017
Way Of The Warrior
: Bernard Schaffer

A law enforcement officer shares his insight on police procedures and why they have the attitudes they often display. I don't agree with his religious and political views but, to each his own.


The narration was well done. James Patrick Cronin did a fine job of telling the story.



I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.


Profile Image for Toula.
2,504 reviews
December 8, 2017
Have it in Audio. This story made a lot of sense . Maybe because my father was a policeman. The author had some valid points. Both as a human ; a husband and a father . Once you listen to the story you see how a policeman has to think both to save himself and the community he services
This is a great great story
Profile Image for Sandra Burns.
1,795 reviews40 followers
August 13, 2017
Excellent read

Although this book is for law enforcement, I, as a civilian, found it interesting. It tells why and how law enforcement officers act the way they do, in various situations. Also, writeups on major shootings.
Profile Image for Myles.
139 reviews1 follower
February 1, 2018
I enjoyed the book...till his relentless attack on Christians began. At that point all respect I had for him was lost.
6 reviews
June 30, 2025
mandatory read for school, good and motivational read with elements of comedy. controversial takes for some, and sooooo many typos. but overall good read.
Profile Image for Laurie.
Author 21 books19 followers
August 6, 2016
If you've read Bernard Schaffer's fiction, you already know he's an amazingly talented writer, so I shouldn't have to sell you on his work.

What you don't know is that his non-fiction is even better. The first of Schaffer's writing I read were the essays he had posted on his blog and I was completely blown away.

"Way of the Warrior" is no exception. It's raw; it's deep; it's honest. And it's most definitely worth a read.
Profile Image for Theresa-Marie.
22 reviews1 follower
Read
April 8, 2016
Good info, but the author doesn't realize he traded his Christian faith for Humanism, which is nothing more than another faith. Other than the incessant preaching of his new-found religion while degrading Christianity, the author passes on some good advice to those who want to be and do their best in law enforcement.
135 reviews3 followers
September 27, 2014
Essay very short

neat take on police work from a seasoned veteran his pointers on investigating was the most enlightening part of the essay I kind of glossed over the last chapters as it was mainly excerpts from previous books
Profile Image for Dana King.
Author 28 books80 followers
October 22, 2014
A brief, quasi-memoir from a retired Philadelphia area cop that is not what one might expect. Schaffer is not an advocate of the increasing police “us versus them” mindset, and makes some compelling arguments for how policing and community relations can be improved. A quick and worthy read.
Profile Image for Chris Hampton.
7 reviews
May 6, 2013
Definitely a worthy read for anyone on The Job for any ammount of time. Both educational and enjoyable. I will be reading this one multiple times...
Profile Image for David.
22 reviews1 follower
December 13, 2013
Great read, I only give it four stars because as it got going, it was over. I was expecting a book, but it was the length of maybe a long article and left me wanting more.
Profile Image for Debbie.
877 reviews5 followers
February 27, 2014
Way of the Warrior was very interesting. It was an like an orientation class welcoming and educating new hires into the police force.
1 review
April 9, 2014
Excellent book

just finished reading this and now I'm looking for more.. his writing is a pleasure to read , of the inner workings of a policeman
39 reviews2 followers
May 23, 2014
Must-read for LE

Great essay that reminds LEO's what this job is about, and keeping it in perspective. Refreshing and motivating for LE personnel.
Profile Image for Chad.
4 reviews
June 14, 2015
Great read

Well written, great look inside law enforcement along with valuable tips and some really good stories. I am downloading book two from the kindle store now!





1 review1 follower
November 4, 2015
Fantastic

Very short yet excellent read. Highly recommended for past, present, and future law enforcement officers in America. Great price, too!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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