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Undercover: Operation Julie - The Inside Story: A Gripping True Crime Story of Britain's Biggest Drug Bust
To infiltrate international drug cartels, he had to become a player...‘Undercover’: The true story behind Operation Julie, one of Britain's largest drug busts and how the same detective infiltrated a cartel planning to smuggle cocaine into Britain.
Forget ‘Breaking Bad’ this is the extraordinary story of the 1970s Welsh LSD ring that supplied the world, told by a cop in deepest cover on the case. In the dim chaos of a Liverpool nightclub, a sharp question cut through the “Are you guys cops?” For Steve Jackson, the words chilled him to the bone. Jackson wasn’t just his name—it was his cover.
As an undercover officer navigating the ruthless world of drug cartels, his life depended on the perfect lie. This gripping true crime story pulls you deep into the double life of Stephen Bentley, one of the pioneers of British undercover policing.
With no training manuals or playbooks, Bentley dived headfirst into the underworld during Operation Julie, a groundbreaking investigation that dismantled a global drug empire. The operation led to the seizure of 90% of the world’s LSD supply, exposed a massive cocaine importation scheme and resulted in 15 convictions totalling 124 years in prison. But success came at a cost.
Living a lie meant constant danger, personal sacrifice, and psychological tolls. Did Bentley cross lines to maintain his cover?
What does it take to truly live in the shadows, and how does it feel to return to the light?
Based on real events, ‘Undercover’ chronicles not just a legendary case but also the personal and professional battles of an officer who shaped undercover policing. Praised by the BBC and major news outlets, and now adapted for a TV series, this is a true story of trust, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of justice.
Forget ‘Breaking Bad’ this is the extraordinary story of the 1970s Welsh LSD ring that supplied the world, told by a cop in deepest cover on the case. In the dim chaos of a Liverpool nightclub, a sharp question cut through the “Are you guys cops?” For Steve Jackson, the words chilled him to the bone. Jackson wasn’t just his name—it was his cover.
As an undercover officer navigating the ruthless world of drug cartels, his life depended on the perfect lie. This gripping true crime story pulls you deep into the double life of Stephen Bentley, one of the pioneers of British undercover policing.
With no training manuals or playbooks, Bentley dived headfirst into the underworld during Operation Julie, a groundbreaking investigation that dismantled a global drug empire. The operation led to the seizure of 90% of the world’s LSD supply, exposed a massive cocaine importation scheme and resulted in 15 convictions totalling 124 years in prison. But success came at a cost.
Living a lie meant constant danger, personal sacrifice, and psychological tolls. Did Bentley cross lines to maintain his cover?
What does it take to truly live in the shadows, and how does it feel to return to the light?
Based on real events, ‘Undercover’ chronicles not just a legendary case but also the personal and professional battles of an officer who shaped undercover policing. Praised by the BBC and major news outlets, and now adapted for a TV series, this is a true story of trust, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of justice.
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About the author
Stephen Bentley
51 books269 followersStephen Bentley is an award-winning author. Of his Operation Julie true crime book, screenwriter and novelist, writer of 'Julie' BBC Drama, Rob Gittins, said, "The fascinating and extraordinary inside story from the man who was actually there.”
Of his later fiction works, British crime author, Pat MacDonald said, “I knew when I read the author’s first book although non-fiction that he could make the transition to writing fiction; I was right. He has an ease of language that lends itself to storytelling; he tells it as if he was there in the plot and why shouldn’t he having been an undercover cop in the real world? Not that Steve Regan is meant to be him, but having the experience means he can do whatever he wants with his fictional characters, and they will always be believable.”
Like some other authors, his life experience is broad and unconventional. He spent 30 years in the legal system, first as a detective for 15 years then as barrister plying his trade as “a wig for hire” in London and the English provinces. He was a pioneering undercover cop on Operation Julie and as a barrister defended in trials involving murder, rape, drug importation, other serious crimes and defended soldiers at courts-martial.
He worked in a warehouse. Rode a big motorbike as a London courier. He drove big articulated trucks and taught how to drive them. He also worked as a hospital porter twice. He drove chilled delivery vans in London in the 1990s to fund his law degree and bar school studies. He spent the last two years of his working life driving plant and operating heavy filtration machinery for Europe’s largest water company. His work mates soon recognised his advocacy skills and elected him as their shop steward.
He has now written over twenty books. Two of them have been optioned and in development; one as a TV drama series, and one as a drama doc.
You can find Stephen at stephenbentley.info
His wife is a better person than him in all regards and is a source of support in his goal of entertaining readers. She has also made him a better person.
Stephen Bentley's book recommendations
Of his later fiction works, British crime author, Pat MacDonald said, “I knew when I read the author’s first book although non-fiction that he could make the transition to writing fiction; I was right. He has an ease of language that lends itself to storytelling; he tells it as if he was there in the plot and why shouldn’t he having been an undercover cop in the real world? Not that Steve Regan is meant to be him, but having the experience means he can do whatever he wants with his fictional characters, and they will always be believable.”
Like some other authors, his life experience is broad and unconventional. He spent 30 years in the legal system, first as a detective for 15 years then as barrister plying his trade as “a wig for hire” in London and the English provinces. He was a pioneering undercover cop on Operation Julie and as a barrister defended in trials involving murder, rape, drug importation, other serious crimes and defended soldiers at courts-martial.
He worked in a warehouse. Rode a big motorbike as a London courier. He drove big articulated trucks and taught how to drive them. He also worked as a hospital porter twice. He drove chilled delivery vans in London in the 1990s to fund his law degree and bar school studies. He spent the last two years of his working life driving plant and operating heavy filtration machinery for Europe’s largest water company. His work mates soon recognised his advocacy skills and elected him as their shop steward.
He has now written over twenty books. Two of them have been optioned and in development; one as a TV drama series, and one as a drama doc.
You can find Stephen at stephenbentley.info
His wife is a better person than him in all regards and is a source of support in his goal of entertaining readers. She has also made him a better person.
Stephen Bentley's book recommendations
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
September 30, 2018
Undercover: Operation Julie – The Inside Story
This book goes well for reading now, after having recently read and reviewed Busted by journalist Eddie Laxton and cop Martyn Pritchard who was also in Operation Julie. This one is by Stephen Bentley, who happens to have the undercover name that’s the same as one of our true crime writers here in the US, Steve Jackson, which is kinda cool. He talks some about what the case did to his life after, and how he feels about the other books on it that are out there. Bentley gives a great insider’s view of doing undercover work on the operation, being a handpicked member of the squad. He was known for being an ultra honest cop, and shadier ones knew to do their dirty dealings when he wasn’t around. Learning undercover work was quite different for him as it required him to act shady himself while working undercover, not something the straight-laced Bentley was accustomed to doing. But he took his job seriously and his life and that of others depended on it, so he had to be convincing. So he learned and learned well.
They started out with a van, set it up to live in it with sleeping bags and a small gas stove cooking breakfast and making tea. The area that they were sent to was a part of Wales, is called Llanddewi Brefi. They found a secluded place to park it at night by a stream so they’d have use of the water for drinking and bathing during the warm months. As for the job, they figured it out as they went along, hanging out in pubs and meeting people. At times they would go along to after-parties to play cards or drink and talk more. Often they wouldn’t head home until the wee hours of the morning, worn out and ready to crash.
This is a very engaging read about Steve and his partner Eric, and their time undercover. Join them as they go after the drug traffickers, with no undercover training whatsoever, because there was none to be had. An enjoyable true crime read filled with plenty of action. My thanks to the author for the free copy in return for my fair review.
Author- Stephen Bentley is a former UK Detective Sergeant, undercover cop and barrister (trial attorney), now a writer, author and Huffington Post UK blogger.
The book I read was 366 pages, published by Hendry Publishing; 2nd edition, July 19th, 2017.
My blog: BookZone:
https://wordpress.com/post/bookblog20...
This book goes well for reading now, after having recently read and reviewed Busted by journalist Eddie Laxton and cop Martyn Pritchard who was also in Operation Julie. This one is by Stephen Bentley, who happens to have the undercover name that’s the same as one of our true crime writers here in the US, Steve Jackson, which is kinda cool. He talks some about what the case did to his life after, and how he feels about the other books on it that are out there. Bentley gives a great insider’s view of doing undercover work on the operation, being a handpicked member of the squad. He was known for being an ultra honest cop, and shadier ones knew to do their dirty dealings when he wasn’t around. Learning undercover work was quite different for him as it required him to act shady himself while working undercover, not something the straight-laced Bentley was accustomed to doing. But he took his job seriously and his life and that of others depended on it, so he had to be convincing. So he learned and learned well.
They started out with a van, set it up to live in it with sleeping bags and a small gas stove cooking breakfast and making tea. The area that they were sent to was a part of Wales, is called Llanddewi Brefi. They found a secluded place to park it at night by a stream so they’d have use of the water for drinking and bathing during the warm months. As for the job, they figured it out as they went along, hanging out in pubs and meeting people. At times they would go along to after-parties to play cards or drink and talk more. Often they wouldn’t head home until the wee hours of the morning, worn out and ready to crash.
This is a very engaging read about Steve and his partner Eric, and their time undercover. Join them as they go after the drug traffickers, with no undercover training whatsoever, because there was none to be had. An enjoyable true crime read filled with plenty of action. My thanks to the author for the free copy in return for my fair review.
Author- Stephen Bentley is a former UK Detective Sergeant, undercover cop and barrister (trial attorney), now a writer, author and Huffington Post UK blogger.
The book I read was 366 pages, published by Hendry Publishing; 2nd edition, July 19th, 2017.
My blog: BookZone:
https://wordpress.com/post/bookblog20...
April 17, 2018
Undercover: Operation Julie - The Inside Story is a gritty, first-hand and factual account of how dangerous and stressful deep undercover work can be. (FWIW, the reality is nothing nearly as righteous and seductive as Hollywood would have you think.) We follow Stephen Bentley and Eric Wright as they immerse, and almost lose, themselves in vital roles in the largest LSD investigation and bust in the UK. We hear the unflinching police officer's side of it, for sure, but we also feel the harrowing personal impact. We view, up close and intimately, into the consequences of deep undercover work, how the man behind the shield can be affected, both emotionally and physically, for up to decades after such an operation.
The raw feel of the entire book was absorbing, from the overarching story all the way down to the authentic use of colloquialisms and slang for the area and the timeframe. If you appreciate true crime or police-themed stories, I can't say you'll "enjoy" this dark and defiant book, but you'll respect the story and the sacrifices of the men behind it.
Please note: If you are not from the UK, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the contrasting tales circulating around Operation Julie, it's best to start the book at Chapter 3 (That's Chapter 5 if you have the Audible version). This is where the true tale actually begins, chronologically, and you can settle into the story as related by the author, Stephen Bentley. The chapters before this point will at best confuse you, and perhaps frustrate you, as the refutations of the other accounts of this operation would not be applicable.
The raw feel of the entire book was absorbing, from the overarching story all the way down to the authentic use of colloquialisms and slang for the area and the timeframe. If you appreciate true crime or police-themed stories, I can't say you'll "enjoy" this dark and defiant book, but you'll respect the story and the sacrifices of the men behind it.
Please note: If you are not from the UK, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the contrasting tales circulating around Operation Julie, it's best to start the book at Chapter 3 (That's Chapter 5 if you have the Audible version). This is where the true tale actually begins, chronologically, and you can settle into the story as related by the author, Stephen Bentley. The chapters before this point will at best confuse you, and perhaps frustrate you, as the refutations of the other accounts of this operation would not be applicable.
December 26, 2018
This account of an historic police investigation that led to the breakup of a massive LSD manufacturing and distribution operation in 1970s Britain is told in brilliant, first-hand detail by author Stephen Bentley, one of the undercover cops who lived it. Operation Julie, as it was called, was a 2-1/2-year investigation that culminated in 1977 with the breakup of two drug rings, 120 arrests in France and the UK, and the confiscation of a £100 million worth of LSD. For readers who tend to think the drug war begins and ends in North and South America, this book is a real education, filled with unique characters and “you are there” accounts of what many have characterized as the opening salvo in the War on Drugs. It is almost like three books in one, the first being the author’s personal narrative of Operation Julie and its aftermath; the second a tutorial on the ins and outs of undercover police work; and the third a meditation on the legalization of drugs. Although the three themes are interwoven throughout, there are discrete sections dedicated to each topic. I would especially recommend this book to anyone in law enforcement, as it provides insight that only an “old pro” could deliver, but the general reader will also find this story interesting, informative, and entertaining. Bentley is a real raconteur, and he relates his experiences--going all the way back to his day as a ‘beat cop’—in short, punchy, vignettes. Some are funny, some are frightening, but they are all marked by the kind of vivid details that could only come from someone who was there. The scenes of 1960s and ‘70s Liverpool, London, and Wales come alive in brilliant snapshots—so much so that I wish the author would write a full-blown memoir of that unique era that took Britain from the Merseybeat to punk rock. At heart, this is a deeply personal story, and the author lays it all out on the line, from his death-defying exploits as “Steve Jackson,” hippie drug dealer, to his clashes with the law enforcement establishment and his long struggle to return to a normal life. A fascinating read.
September 14, 2016
This unflinching memoir by Stephen Bentley opens up a world of drugs, crime, passion, and fear in a way that no other book has ever been able to do: because it's true. It's fascinating to wander through his life, as though perched on his shoulder, and it's astounding to believe that the events that unfold actually happened. Bentley's sympathetic and yet tough view on those that he met and the people that both helped and hindered him is gripping, and his narrative sweep can sometimes make you forget that this is fact, not fiction. As a lover of crime drama, it's astonishing to see just what is correct and completely missguided when it comes to the outside world, and I look forward to reading more from Bentley - surely there is more to come?
February 4, 2021
Originally reviewed for Mystery Thriller Week
I am a huge fan of real life crime stories, it fascinates me hearing of the motive that people have in committing the crimes that they do, but what I enjoy even more is hearing about the build up to arrests and the impressions left on the law enforcers involved. I guess it’s that element of observation, of studying the suspects and drawing conclusions based on one’s own understanding of human nature that draws me the most. Naturally I was immediately drawn to Stephen Bentley’s story about Operation Julie.
Operation Julie resulted in the break-up of one of the world’s largest LSD manufacturing rings with only three undercover cops engaged in the operation; this makes Undercover all the more of a necessity to read in my opinion.
Life as a law enforcement officer is hardly easy I’ve learnt, particularly when trying to climb the ranks and gaining access to the real ‘dirty’ work while still keeping clean amoungst less-than-honest colleagues. Bentley was an ambitious and eager young officer when he and Eric were approached for Operation Julie and wasted no time in accepting the case.
Bentley is brutally honest in sharing the memories of life undercover; providing observations of the people he encounters in a candid and relatable manner, even admitting to feeling a growing enjoyment for one of the individuals later busted by their investigation. He’s not afraid of giving examples of corruption or sharing misgivings for police services he considered to be most prone to the act of freemasonry and gossip (Welsh). Even demonstrating how sometimes, an entire operation could run the risk of being bust by those higher up the chain with little notion of how easily one can be discovered as being a cop;
The most fascinating aspect of the entire book has to be the effects that going undercover had on Bentley. I imagine not many consider it to be a psychologically daunting, if not crippling experience and it’s absolutely fantastic that Bentley chose to dispel this opinion in Undercover. He shares the experience of not being provided the official recognition he felt he deserved, the depression he hid from his force-colleagues and the guilt which ate at him over betraying Smiles. And of course then takes us behind the curtain of depression/PTSD fueled alcoholism. It’s fecking brilliant if you ask me.
Final Thoughts
This is an exceptionally detailed account of life undercover, for those who have a particular interest in police force operations, or true drug-bust stories, who are looking for an informative read; it’s a must. As an entertainment read, I would not recommend it; despite there being a smattering of funny quips it is by and large an exceptionally serious tale which requires some form of passion for the subject matter to be fully appreciated. I feel if you’re looking for entertainment value, you’d be better of finding a fiction tale.
And you know what – all law enforcement agencies should read the Chapter “Lessons Learned”, I think they’d very quickly see just how little care is given about the wellbeing of their officers and staff.
I do hope Stephen looks into writing a fiction novel of this, I think it’d be a fantastic success, hopefully we’ll be given an inkling of what his alternative theory regarding Bill and Blue is.
I am a huge fan of real life crime stories, it fascinates me hearing of the motive that people have in committing the crimes that they do, but what I enjoy even more is hearing about the build up to arrests and the impressions left on the law enforcers involved. I guess it’s that element of observation, of studying the suspects and drawing conclusions based on one’s own understanding of human nature that draws me the most. Naturally I was immediately drawn to Stephen Bentley’s story about Operation Julie.
Operation Julie resulted in the break-up of one of the world’s largest LSD manufacturing rings with only three undercover cops engaged in the operation; this makes Undercover all the more of a necessity to read in my opinion.
Life as a law enforcement officer is hardly easy I’ve learnt, particularly when trying to climb the ranks and gaining access to the real ‘dirty’ work while still keeping clean amoungst less-than-honest colleagues. Bentley was an ambitious and eager young officer when he and Eric were approached for Operation Julie and wasted no time in accepting the case.
Bentley is brutally honest in sharing the memories of life undercover; providing observations of the people he encounters in a candid and relatable manner, even admitting to feeling a growing enjoyment for one of the individuals later busted by their investigation. He’s not afraid of giving examples of corruption or sharing misgivings for police services he considered to be most prone to the act of freemasonry and gossip (Welsh). Even demonstrating how sometimes, an entire operation could run the risk of being bust by those higher up the chain with little notion of how easily one can be discovered as being a cop;
“The problem with police officers like Greenslade is a lack of brain capacity. They have a total lack of flexibility in attitudes and tactics. For every good leader I guess there have to be several idiots. We had an idiot as a nominal leader”
The most fascinating aspect of the entire book has to be the effects that going undercover had on Bentley. I imagine not many consider it to be a psychologically daunting, if not crippling experience and it’s absolutely fantastic that Bentley chose to dispel this opinion in Undercover. He shares the experience of not being provided the official recognition he felt he deserved, the depression he hid from his force-colleagues and the guilt which ate at him over betraying Smiles. And of course then takes us behind the curtain of depression/PTSD fueled alcoholism. It’s fecking brilliant if you ask me.
Final Thoughts
This is an exceptionally detailed account of life undercover, for those who have a particular interest in police force operations, or true drug-bust stories, who are looking for an informative read; it’s a must. As an entertainment read, I would not recommend it; despite there being a smattering of funny quips it is by and large an exceptionally serious tale which requires some form of passion for the subject matter to be fully appreciated. I feel if you’re looking for entertainment value, you’d be better of finding a fiction tale.
And you know what – all law enforcement agencies should read the Chapter “Lessons Learned”, I think they’d very quickly see just how little care is given about the wellbeing of their officers and staff.
I do hope Stephen looks into writing a fiction novel of this, I think it’d be a fantastic success, hopefully we’ll be given an inkling of what his alternative theory regarding Bill and Blue is.
April 13, 2019
I listened to the audio book of Undercover: Operation Julie. The narrator did a good job of telling this story and had a pleasant and smooth reading style. I would certainly recommend the audio book to people who like to listen to, rather than read, stories.
This book is an autobiography of a period in the author's life when he was an undercover cop in a historic police investigation that led to the breakup of a huge LSD manufacturing and distribution operation in Great Britain. The story is set during the 1970's and the author, known by the underworld as Steve Jackson, and his undercover partner need to integrate themselves into the shady and dangerous world of small time drug dealers and work themselves up so that they can find out who the ring leaders are.
Steve Bentley's depiction of how both cops have to completely sever all ties to their "real" lives and eat, sleep and breath their assumed persona is compelling and quite frightening. To put yourself into a situation where you need to become a hard drinking, drug taking low-life seems inconceivable to me and the author describes how difficult it eventually becomes to separate your actual mind from that of your assumed personality. Over time, and with the help of drugs, they start to merge and you start living your lie.
Of course, both cops manage to keep their eye on the ball and work towards their ultimate goal of uncovering the entire drug smuggling and selling operation. They, together with the other undercover detectives, the police and various other involved parties, are successful in the end and the doctors, chemists, drug dealers and related parties to what became known as Project Julie were brought to justice.
I thought this was a fascinating, first hand account of this amazing story which reads just like an action movie. It was well written and detailed in a way that only a person who lived the story could describe. The last section of the book deals with the impact years of undercover work had on the life of the author. I was surprised at the lack of support and treatment for post traumatic stress disorder that was made available to Steve. I would have expected more from a first world country like Great Britain. Hopefully, this has changed and people in the line of fire doing jobs for the benefit of the citizens of a country get better after treatment after their discharge from the police force.
This book is an autobiography of a period in the author's life when he was an undercover cop in a historic police investigation that led to the breakup of a huge LSD manufacturing and distribution operation in Great Britain. The story is set during the 1970's and the author, known by the underworld as Steve Jackson, and his undercover partner need to integrate themselves into the shady and dangerous world of small time drug dealers and work themselves up so that they can find out who the ring leaders are.
Steve Bentley's depiction of how both cops have to completely sever all ties to their "real" lives and eat, sleep and breath their assumed persona is compelling and quite frightening. To put yourself into a situation where you need to become a hard drinking, drug taking low-life seems inconceivable to me and the author describes how difficult it eventually becomes to separate your actual mind from that of your assumed personality. Over time, and with the help of drugs, they start to merge and you start living your lie.
Of course, both cops manage to keep their eye on the ball and work towards their ultimate goal of uncovering the entire drug smuggling and selling operation. They, together with the other undercover detectives, the police and various other involved parties, are successful in the end and the doctors, chemists, drug dealers and related parties to what became known as Project Julie were brought to justice.
I thought this was a fascinating, first hand account of this amazing story which reads just like an action movie. It was well written and detailed in a way that only a person who lived the story could describe. The last section of the book deals with the impact years of undercover work had on the life of the author. I was surprised at the lack of support and treatment for post traumatic stress disorder that was made available to Steve. I would have expected more from a first world country like Great Britain. Hopefully, this has changed and people in the line of fire doing jobs for the benefit of the citizens of a country get better after treatment after their discharge from the police force.
August 2, 2022
What a story.
I really enjoyed this book (if enjoy is the right word when talking about crime!) I usually read books twice as I sometimes find I have missed something. I read this book twice when I first got it on release. Since then I have read it another couple of times.
It's a serious story but one that is peppered with humour and an overriding sense of humanity and caring.
Loved it.
I really enjoyed this book (if enjoy is the right word when talking about crime!) I usually read books twice as I sometimes find I have missed something. I read this book twice when I first got it on release. Since then I have read it another couple of times.
It's a serious story but one that is peppered with humour and an overriding sense of humanity and caring.
Loved it.
March 10, 2019
Undercover by Stephen Bentley is a truly fascinating inside look at a real life drug bust. This memoir about the famed Operation Julie was both informative and reads well. It was like being there in the moment trying to infiltrate a dangerous drug ring. This is a great one for any true crime lovers and I can’t wait to read more from Bentley!
July 9, 2018
Coincidentally, between 1987-2002, I lived in Key Largo, FL, which used to be a sleepy village till the mid-Nineties. Key Largo, FL is an hour away from Miami, FL, a city author Steve Bentley mentions seven times in his book.
Living in the Florida Keys in the eighties, one learned quickly. If one spotted a 30+ feet cigarette boat in a tiny, maybe even shabby marina, one did not step closer to have one’s picture taken with that boat. The issue was obvious. What kind of “proud owner of such a vessel” would moor(hide) their boat, away from the flashy, rich marinas?
In contrast, Steve Bentley, author of “Undercover: Operation Julie - The Inside Story” would have tried to get invited onto such a boat. Because, in the late-seventies, Steve Bentley was a young British cop, hungry to make a name for himself and fight the fight of the good guys.
His setting is similar, only it plays out in the UK. The drug dealers are hiding in sleepy villages like Carno and Llanddewi Brefi, surrounded by “... fields, cattle and the sky above.” Logically, in these small communities, everybody knows everybody and “people see things”; just popping up and observing things “Miami Vice”-style won’t work. Infiltrating a drug dealer circle is not easy. Bentley grows a scruffy beard and he ain’t wearing a Versace jacket (as in Miami Vice) because drug dealers aren’t stupid.
Most fascinating to me was that apparently, at the time (1976-1980), in Great Britain, there was no training, no manual, no action plan how to go about uncovering drug dealers’ activities; basically, Steve Bentley and his friend Eric Wright (w/ fake identities: Steve Jackson and Eric Walker) invent the procedures, tricks, and safety measures on the fly.
The involvement is immense because it has to be. Fighting the fight of the good guys becomes “Steve Jackson’s and Eric Walker’s” real life. Frequently, they experience heart-stopping situations. What does one do when a drug dealer asks, “What’s the scam” and C'mon you can tell me. You're cops, right?” – Choosing the right response might be a matter of life or death.
Bentley’s book also reads like the history of Rock-n-Roll from that era, “... Rolling Stones, Beatles, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards - all those guys are serious coke heads. They need quality powder...”
The drug dealers’ plan’s don’t stop in the UK.
“... Blue added, “The south of France too.” “Excuse me!” Bill went red in the face and I could see that he had puffed out his cheeks. “Bill, it's the jet-set scene there. Millionaires, big yachts - the whole scene. Like a French Miami. We gotta get our cocaine into there too.”...”
And, what about Nassau, Barbados, Antigua, Argentina, Panama, Miami, Georgetown Guyana and Vancouver Island?
Readers need to remember that all of this plays out at a time when the telephone was the main form of communication. Google was not even a dream yet. To get the information Bentley and Wright give their best. Still, “... as in November 1976 we were not sure where the acid manufacturing laboratory was...” And, the life style takes its toll. Especially, the drinking and the living the lie.
But, while Operation Julie is a huge success (break-up of one of the largest LSD manufacturing operations in the world) there is no real plan how the careers of Steve Bentley and Eric Wright are going to continue. Bentley is destined to become a Criminal Investigation Department officer in Tadley, another small city, “... a far cry from my recent undercover days in Wales. I was slowly going mad!” Failed marriages, drinking, and depression follow.
Bentley’s firsthand account reminded me of reports and stories of the Vietnam veterans who came home and were forced to rediscover a world they had not lived in for a long time. The shame of this particular story is that the British government did not have to accommodate the needs of tens of thousands of soldiers but basically only a few men, and they failed even at that.
“... I am now over the bitter disappointment of not receiving any kind of official recognition. Or am I? I believed I was...
“In retrospect, I believe it was one factor behind my depressive illness. There are few things worse than making sacrifices and endangering your health and then not being recognised...”
Bentley also muses about another failure of the British government – the loss of talent. These men had skills, hence, they should have taught the next generation of drug hunters instead of being chosen for a career as a village cop.
“Undercover: Operation Julie - The Inside Story” is a fascinating read that tells how the War on Drugs started, a portrait of the era, and the story of a man who was gave his best, ended up having depression and fought his way out of it.
5 stars,
Gisela Hausmann, author & blogger
Living in the Florida Keys in the eighties, one learned quickly. If one spotted a 30+ feet cigarette boat in a tiny, maybe even shabby marina, one did not step closer to have one’s picture taken with that boat. The issue was obvious. What kind of “proud owner of such a vessel” would moor(hide) their boat, away from the flashy, rich marinas?
In contrast, Steve Bentley, author of “Undercover: Operation Julie - The Inside Story” would have tried to get invited onto such a boat. Because, in the late-seventies, Steve Bentley was a young British cop, hungry to make a name for himself and fight the fight of the good guys.
His setting is similar, only it plays out in the UK. The drug dealers are hiding in sleepy villages like Carno and Llanddewi Brefi, surrounded by “... fields, cattle and the sky above.” Logically, in these small communities, everybody knows everybody and “people see things”; just popping up and observing things “Miami Vice”-style won’t work. Infiltrating a drug dealer circle is not easy. Bentley grows a scruffy beard and he ain’t wearing a Versace jacket (as in Miami Vice) because drug dealers aren’t stupid.
Most fascinating to me was that apparently, at the time (1976-1980), in Great Britain, there was no training, no manual, no action plan how to go about uncovering drug dealers’ activities; basically, Steve Bentley and his friend Eric Wright (w/ fake identities: Steve Jackson and Eric Walker) invent the procedures, tricks, and safety measures on the fly.
The involvement is immense because it has to be. Fighting the fight of the good guys becomes “Steve Jackson’s and Eric Walker’s” real life. Frequently, they experience heart-stopping situations. What does one do when a drug dealer asks, “What’s the scam” and C'mon you can tell me. You're cops, right?” – Choosing the right response might be a matter of life or death.
Bentley’s book also reads like the history of Rock-n-Roll from that era, “... Rolling Stones, Beatles, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards - all those guys are serious coke heads. They need quality powder...”
The drug dealers’ plan’s don’t stop in the UK.
“... Blue added, “The south of France too.” “Excuse me!” Bill went red in the face and I could see that he had puffed out his cheeks. “Bill, it's the jet-set scene there. Millionaires, big yachts - the whole scene. Like a French Miami. We gotta get our cocaine into there too.”...”
And, what about Nassau, Barbados, Antigua, Argentina, Panama, Miami, Georgetown Guyana and Vancouver Island?
Readers need to remember that all of this plays out at a time when the telephone was the main form of communication. Google was not even a dream yet. To get the information Bentley and Wright give their best. Still, “... as in November 1976 we were not sure where the acid manufacturing laboratory was...” And, the life style takes its toll. Especially, the drinking and the living the lie.
But, while Operation Julie is a huge success (break-up of one of the largest LSD manufacturing operations in the world) there is no real plan how the careers of Steve Bentley and Eric Wright are going to continue. Bentley is destined to become a Criminal Investigation Department officer in Tadley, another small city, “... a far cry from my recent undercover days in Wales. I was slowly going mad!” Failed marriages, drinking, and depression follow.
Bentley’s firsthand account reminded me of reports and stories of the Vietnam veterans who came home and were forced to rediscover a world they had not lived in for a long time. The shame of this particular story is that the British government did not have to accommodate the needs of tens of thousands of soldiers but basically only a few men, and they failed even at that.
“... I am now over the bitter disappointment of not receiving any kind of official recognition. Or am I? I believed I was...
“In retrospect, I believe it was one factor behind my depressive illness. There are few things worse than making sacrifices and endangering your health and then not being recognised...”
Bentley also muses about another failure of the British government – the loss of talent. These men had skills, hence, they should have taught the next generation of drug hunters instead of being chosen for a career as a village cop.
“Undercover: Operation Julie - The Inside Story” is a fascinating read that tells how the War on Drugs started, a portrait of the era, and the story of a man who was gave his best, ended up having depression and fought his way out of it.
5 stars,
Gisela Hausmann, author & blogger
February 6, 2017
This is a book about a cop! A man who found his calling in fighting crime. A true encounter of life in the late 1970's when undercover cops didn't exist. This is a ground breaking story which the reader should keep in mind.
LSD was big then. A plan was hatched for the first time to infiltrate and end this in the U.K. Many were involved in this undertaking. Stephen Bentley was 1 of 3 deep undercover cops. They lived the life. This is detailed reenactment based on memory and daily reports made at the time.
It was very successful which you will find out about. The groundbreaking continued after the fact. Stephen Bentley did get promoted. Some acknowledged the awesome undertaking. But that was the end. Most of these men were shell's of themselves. No one helped them recover. Some suffered for the rest of their lives. Addiction is not the worst part. Heartache. The undying belief that more could have been accomplished.
This book will open your eyes to what lies behind being a cop. The broken soul left behind. Even when the person moves on.
LSD was big then. A plan was hatched for the first time to infiltrate and end this in the U.K. Many were involved in this undertaking. Stephen Bentley was 1 of 3 deep undercover cops. They lived the life. This is detailed reenactment based on memory and daily reports made at the time.
It was very successful which you will find out about. The groundbreaking continued after the fact. Stephen Bentley did get promoted. Some acknowledged the awesome undertaking. But that was the end. Most of these men were shell's of themselves. No one helped them recover. Some suffered for the rest of their lives. Addiction is not the worst part. Heartache. The undying belief that more could have been accomplished.
This book will open your eyes to what lies behind being a cop. The broken soul left behind. Even when the person moves on.
December 29, 2017
Once in a while I like to surprise myself by buying a book without knowing what it is about. Undercover turned out to a complete surprise. From the briefest glance at the cover I was expecting a crime fiction. What I got was a factual account of a major news story I recall from my teenage years.
This is an extremely well narrated, compelling and personal view of the events and individuals involved in Operation Julie. It exquisitely captures the very essence of mid-1970s Britain, but for me, what made this book stand out are the characters. Whichever side of the law they stood, this book is about people, just ordinary people.
This is very much a story of two halves. Whilst the first part is about events, the second explores the consequences of going undercover for the author’s career, health and future. Both parts are captivating, but I am not sure that they neatly tie together.
That said, this is undoubtedly one of my favourite reads of 2017.
This is an extremely well narrated, compelling and personal view of the events and individuals involved in Operation Julie. It exquisitely captures the very essence of mid-1970s Britain, but for me, what made this book stand out are the characters. Whichever side of the law they stood, this book is about people, just ordinary people.
This is very much a story of two halves. Whilst the first part is about events, the second explores the consequences of going undercover for the author’s career, health and future. Both parts are captivating, but I am not sure that they neatly tie together.
That said, this is undoubtedly one of my favourite reads of 2017.
September 24, 2018
Whoa!
This was very intense, I was drawn into this world and feel like I just got hit by a semi truck after. What a ride, indeed.
Riveting account of 1978's Operation Julie, one of the biggest British undercover operations of our time. 15 different defendants were imprisoned for a total of nearly 125 years.
This is the story of Stephen Bentley, one of the undercover detectives who lived it. I have little to no knowledge of the ins and outs of police procedure - well, only from TV, and Joe Kenda made it a point to explain that it's soooo not like it is on TV/CSI ;)
It's a very candid, honest and powerful audiobook by a man I respect for his bravery and perseverance. Well written and well narrated, I definitely recommend it.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Please take a moment to click the "YES" ("Helpful") button below if you found this review helpful :) Thank you!
This was very intense, I was drawn into this world and feel like I just got hit by a semi truck after. What a ride, indeed.
Riveting account of 1978's Operation Julie, one of the biggest British undercover operations of our time. 15 different defendants were imprisoned for a total of nearly 125 years.
This is the story of Stephen Bentley, one of the undercover detectives who lived it. I have little to no knowledge of the ins and outs of police procedure - well, only from TV, and Joe Kenda made it a point to explain that it's soooo not like it is on TV/CSI ;)
It's a very candid, honest and powerful audiobook by a man I respect for his bravery and perseverance. Well written and well narrated, I definitely recommend it.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Please take a moment to click the "YES" ("Helpful") button below if you found this review helpful :) Thank you!
September 29, 2016
Steve has written something I like to read - a true story. He tells of events nearly 40 years ago when he and a fellow detective went undercover in deepest Wales for their part in the drugs bust 'Operation Julie', in order to seek out the ringleaders manufacturing huge amounts of LSD. Over a period of several months he suppressed his normal persona and took on the guise of Steve Jackson, a 'ducker and diver' living in a hippie van and able to consume vast amounts of alcohol and cannabis to fool the suspects, yet still managing to pass vital information back to his superiors. The book also tells of the time after the ringleaders were arrested, and how Steve unwittingly suffered a kind of post traumatic stress disorder, taking him to rock bottom. The whole book was quite fascinating. I look forward to reading more from this author.
July 21, 2022
Enjoyable insight
Author narrates first hand experience of working undercover. Honest and open as to the effect it had on him and the workings of the police
Author narrates first hand experience of working undercover. Honest and open as to the effect it had on him and the workings of the police
May 15, 2020
This book is well written and based on a true story. It takes you into the life of a Undercover Police Officer. This book grabs your attention right from the beginning. The story is brilliantly told by the author, Stephen Bentley. The way it was written made the reader feel as much a part of the story as the under cover cop.
I was very anxious to read this book. It was very fast paced and easy to get through. I picked it up on a lazy Sunday afternoon and couldn't put it down until I finished it. It just held my interest from page one. It was very high action because everytime you would flip a page it turned into another unbelievable scene. It's an amazing book, it makes such good sense. I don't think a review is enough to describe how much this book affected me, it would take pages. It's very informative, easy to read, and structured well. A thoughtful and well written work that takes you on a journey. This is a rollercoaster ride well taken! Looking forward to the movie!
I was very anxious to read this book. It was very fast paced and easy to get through. I picked it up on a lazy Sunday afternoon and couldn't put it down until I finished it. It just held my interest from page one. It was very high action because everytime you would flip a page it turned into another unbelievable scene. It's an amazing book, it makes such good sense. I don't think a review is enough to describe how much this book affected me, it would take pages. It's very informative, easy to read, and structured well. A thoughtful and well written work that takes you on a journey. This is a rollercoaster ride well taken! Looking forward to the movie!
April 5, 2018
I received the audiobook free for an honest review.
I'm not sure what I expected from this memoir. The beginning started out dry, setting the stage for the bulk of the book, a true story about an undercover detective in Britain, helping take down the drug lords.
It starts out with him setting the stage of how he becomes a police officer, a bit of the atmosphere in Britain in the 1970s and how he got into the drug squad and from there to be an undercover officer; it also touches on the mental stress such a job puts on individuals.
This memoir shows in-depth, what goes on during a long term undercover operation and what the individuals put themselves and their families through during and after the undercover operation is finished. What interested me with this memoir was learning what the officers do and go through. I would have thought they would try and avoid actual drug use, for example. How would their fellow officers view them afterwards when they are fighting drug addiction? What about the women in today's forces who go undercover for their job; usually something to do with the sex trade industry. Do they have to completely immerse themselves in the role, like Steve and Erik did with the drugs? And what about the perception of the women afterwards? (especially in this day and age?). (These are my own questions, not ones raised or covered in the book).
Steve also talks about how there was no support system in the police force for the undercover officers afterwards. That would have definitely been useful, considering the fact that they were drinking a lot and taking drugs. Therapy, and rehabilitation should have been offered.
One thing that actually ended up interesting me, is his ideas about regulating drugs. A lot of what he suggests is quite logical. Considering the fact that Canada is legalizing marijuana he should send that regulation list to the Canadian government as they try to figure out how to deal with this legalization.
Overall, although filled in part with dry facts, I found this to be quite interesting and enjoyable.
I'm not sure what I expected from this memoir. The beginning started out dry, setting the stage for the bulk of the book, a true story about an undercover detective in Britain, helping take down the drug lords.
It starts out with him setting the stage of how he becomes a police officer, a bit of the atmosphere in Britain in the 1970s and how he got into the drug squad and from there to be an undercover officer; it also touches on the mental stress such a job puts on individuals.
This memoir shows in-depth, what goes on during a long term undercover operation and what the individuals put themselves and their families through during and after the undercover operation is finished. What interested me with this memoir was learning what the officers do and go through. I would have thought they would try and avoid actual drug use, for example. How would their fellow officers view them afterwards when they are fighting drug addiction? What about the women in today's forces who go undercover for their job; usually something to do with the sex trade industry. Do they have to completely immerse themselves in the role, like Steve and Erik did with the drugs? And what about the perception of the women afterwards? (especially in this day and age?). (These are my own questions, not ones raised or covered in the book).
Steve also talks about how there was no support system in the police force for the undercover officers afterwards. That would have definitely been useful, considering the fact that they were drinking a lot and taking drugs. Therapy, and rehabilitation should have been offered.
One thing that actually ended up interesting me, is his ideas about regulating drugs. A lot of what he suggests is quite logical. Considering the fact that Canada is legalizing marijuana he should send that regulation list to the Canadian government as they try to figure out how to deal with this legalization.
Overall, although filled in part with dry facts, I found this to be quite interesting and enjoyable.
January 22, 2020
Undercover: Operation Julie-The Inside Story is Stephen Bentley's memoir about his life as a detective in the U. K. Bentley was part of a sting to infiltrate an organization making LSD in rural Wales in the 1970s. He writes about undergoing a transformation from clean-cut policeman to the long-haired hippie Steve Jackson. He lived out of a beat- up old van with his partner Eric as they observed the activities of a house believed to be the location of a secret drug lab. Bentley is honest about using drugs so he could blend in with the drug crowd. As the story goes on, Bentley becomes more addicted to cocaine, telling himself that it was justified as part of the job. He and Eric were sent to get information from the manufacturers and suppliers so they really had to be genuine users. Trying to abstain from drugs would have made the pair suspicious to others. The time spent in bars and pubs added to Bentley's already confused mind and caused increased drinking binges. The more that he played the role of Steve Jackson, the friendly newcomer who supported himself by tree cutting and car dealing, the temptation to toss away his old self became stronger. Bentley admits that he enjoyed his new carefree life where his only task was to get up and go meet the suspected dealers at the bar. He became friends with some of the people. One man was thought to be high up in the gang and threatened to kill Steve if he found out he and Eric were cops. Operation Julie was the biggest undercover drug infiltration in the history of th U. K. One of the sad parts of the book is when Steve had to turn in his friend Smiles, the main suspect of the drug operation. I really felt the emotions of this section when Steve had to betray his friend. The writing is very strong and made me see an image of the meeting between Smiles and Steve at the jail after the arrests. The conflicting emotions of duty to the law against betrayal of a friend is so detailed that I felt like I was there. The book is being made into a movie currently. It will be interesting to see how the film writers deal with the emotions while also telling the facts of Steve's story. I recommend this book to anyone who likes to read about other people's life stories. Not just a cop memoir, Undercover is a memoir of one man's struggle with himself and society.
December 11, 2019
( Format : Audiobook )
"When does acting become living the part?"
Operation Julie was a two and an half year investigation in the UK into the production and distribution of LSD in the second half of the 1970s which culminated in the arrest and conviction of 15 defendants and the confiscation of vast quantities of the drug, believed to total 90° of the total available at that time. It was headline news in Britain. Undercover is the autobiographical story of one of the four policemen who secured this result by voluntarily, and without any training, gave up their conventional lives to reinvent themselves to fit into the lifestyles of the druggie communities. For months, Stephen and his partner lived under assumed names, cultivating friendships and business deals to put themselves into positions of trust in order to unravel the information needed to secure the evidence for the police action. Constantly in fear of discovery and becoming involved with the people they were there to ultimately betray, the toll on them personally was enormous and the aftermath was devastating both physically and emotionally.
The book is simply written, easy to read, without overt attempts to justify or gain personal sympathy for actions taken. However, the difficulties of assuming an alien personality, without being consumed by it, become obvious: it has to be watertight or, not on!y will the mission fail but lives, including one's own, would be at risk. And after it is all over? A fascinating story well narrated by Greg Patmore, who's voice becomes that of Stephen Bentley, the author, as he reads with good intonation and pacing, his emotional content matching that of the text. A fine performance.
My thanks to the rights holder of Undercover, who, at my request freely gifted me with a complimentary copy. The book provided insights beyond the simple retelling of the investigation and is recommended to all who enjoy not just true crime stories but thrillers of any kind, as well as the psychological damage which can occur from the life and death role playing of a spy.
"When does acting become living the part?"
Operation Julie was a two and an half year investigation in the UK into the production and distribution of LSD in the second half of the 1970s which culminated in the arrest and conviction of 15 defendants and the confiscation of vast quantities of the drug, believed to total 90° of the total available at that time. It was headline news in Britain. Undercover is the autobiographical story of one of the four policemen who secured this result by voluntarily, and without any training, gave up their conventional lives to reinvent themselves to fit into the lifestyles of the druggie communities. For months, Stephen and his partner lived under assumed names, cultivating friendships and business deals to put themselves into positions of trust in order to unravel the information needed to secure the evidence for the police action. Constantly in fear of discovery and becoming involved with the people they were there to ultimately betray, the toll on them personally was enormous and the aftermath was devastating both physically and emotionally.
The book is simply written, easy to read, without overt attempts to justify or gain personal sympathy for actions taken. However, the difficulties of assuming an alien personality, without being consumed by it, become obvious: it has to be watertight or, not on!y will the mission fail but lives, including one's own, would be at risk. And after it is all over? A fascinating story well narrated by Greg Patmore, who's voice becomes that of Stephen Bentley, the author, as he reads with good intonation and pacing, his emotional content matching that of the text. A fine performance.
My thanks to the rights holder of Undercover, who, at my request freely gifted me with a complimentary copy. The book provided insights beyond the simple retelling of the investigation and is recommended to all who enjoy not just true crime stories but thrillers of any kind, as well as the psychological damage which can occur from the life and death role playing of a spy.
February 5, 2020
A raw, captivating account of the life of an undercover detective in 1970s UK.
Stephen Bentley is an undercover cop. Steve Jackson is a hippie drug dealer – or is he? In order to infiltrate a global drug ring - the characters manufacturing and distributing LSD in the UK, a clandestine group of detectives need to live a double life. This raw, captivating account of working deep undercover in 1970s UK is told by a detective who lived it.
This true story describes not only the intricacies of an undercover operation but also the difficulties detectives experience in adjusting to “normal” life after the project is completed. The author does not hold back in describing the toll it took on his personal life, especially the effects on his mental health at a time when there was little understanding from superiors during an undercover operation and no support afterwards. And, to this day, the author remains conflicted about relationships he established in the past as he asks himself, “who am I?”
As someone who lived in the UK and Ireland while this investigation was going on, I wonder how close some of my acquaintances at that time were to Operation Julie detectives. One of the addresses given in the book was a stone’s throw away from a London squat I lived in.
A great read, but I think it could have ended sooner. All the rambling points at the end sound more like the author trying to convince himself. We, the readers already get it. Case closed.
Stephen Bentley is an undercover cop. Steve Jackson is a hippie drug dealer – or is he? In order to infiltrate a global drug ring - the characters manufacturing and distributing LSD in the UK, a clandestine group of detectives need to live a double life. This raw, captivating account of working deep undercover in 1970s UK is told by a detective who lived it.
This true story describes not only the intricacies of an undercover operation but also the difficulties detectives experience in adjusting to “normal” life after the project is completed. The author does not hold back in describing the toll it took on his personal life, especially the effects on his mental health at a time when there was little understanding from superiors during an undercover operation and no support afterwards. And, to this day, the author remains conflicted about relationships he established in the past as he asks himself, “who am I?”
As someone who lived in the UK and Ireland while this investigation was going on, I wonder how close some of my acquaintances at that time were to Operation Julie detectives. One of the addresses given in the book was a stone’s throw away from a London squat I lived in.
A great read, but I think it could have ended sooner. All the rambling points at the end sound more like the author trying to convince himself. We, the readers already get it. Case closed.
May 30, 2019
An excellent look into the United Kingdom's drug life during the 1970's and the undercover team that worked to try and bring it down.
The author not only relays what happened but makes you feel his pain, despair and at times laughter and giddiness.
As an American reading this book I was amazed at how different some procedures are especially the lack of guns and the vast importance pubs played in the meetings and lifestyle of both the drug pins and the enforcement officers that the author and his partner dealt with.
If you're looking for a book to take your mind off your everyday life, this is it. Kudos to Mr. Bentley for allowing us, his readers, into the raw emotions he felt and for being able to make us feel all these many years later. A great read!
The author not only relays what happened but makes you feel his pain, despair and at times laughter and giddiness.
As an American reading this book I was amazed at how different some procedures are especially the lack of guns and the vast importance pubs played in the meetings and lifestyle of both the drug pins and the enforcement officers that the author and his partner dealt with.
If you're looking for a book to take your mind off your everyday life, this is it. Kudos to Mr. Bentley for allowing us, his readers, into the raw emotions he felt and for being able to make us feel all these many years later. A great read!
February 16, 2021
I was in need of some nonfiction research materials regarding undercover police work and illicit narcotic distribution, and Stephen Bentley delivers the goods in his book. It offers personal accounts of the happenings in his life on both sides of the veil, knee deep in drug culture, and the burden he carries home when he gets to go home at all. It's a firsthand account from a former detective who's been there and done that. It's a smooth and fast read that I delighted in for it's factual depiction, and the various touches of personal charm.
Once I had started turning pages, I knew I couldn't skim through it. Bentley weaves his story with the qualities and personal defects of a person all too relatable, and for such quality, I felt compelled to go cover to cover where I had initially sought a handful of facts and observations. I feel it provided me what I was looking for and more.
With his background in mind, I'm looking forward to exploring Bentley's crime fiction.
Once I had started turning pages, I knew I couldn't skim through it. Bentley weaves his story with the qualities and personal defects of a person all too relatable, and for such quality, I felt compelled to go cover to cover where I had initially sought a handful of facts and observations. I feel it provided me what I was looking for and more.
With his background in mind, I'm looking forward to exploring Bentley's crime fiction.
September 17, 2019
I got lost in this book at the beginning. But had a second wind this side of the summer and I have to say I enjoyed the ride. The story of Operation Julie is riveting as told by Stephen from what feels like his voice in his early risk taking years. There is a touch of nostalgia for that period and for what feels like literally a discovery of his own self and boundaries through the eyes of his adopted undercover persona. It must have been thrilling to be part of this drugs bust operations, and indeed the results were outstanding. But he paid a heavy health price for it mentally and physically. I wonder whether this day and age it is still possible to do what he did with Eric. Face recognition technology and all the advances in drone espionage might indeed make his two man in a van exploit an incredibly difficult feat.
December 4, 2019
This is a great story about cops undercover and one has to respect that sort of dedication (obviously we have also seen the news where similar operations have gone tits up and the operators are now facing legal challenges about their behaviour while undercover). My main gripe is the writing style. Short staccato sentences make the whole thing read like notes from this coppers note book. Please do spend some money and get a good editor in on the job to sort it all out and you will have a cracking story. I teach English writing and having a variety of sentence lengths is important, it stops the reader getting bored - it really irritated me at times. There are also too many repetitions and the author does have the tendency to state the bleeding obvious at times - which is also irritating. Saying that, I managed to get to around 60% - the baddies had been captured and tried so then for the latter third the author tells us about the rest of his career and from what I skimmed through he doesn't seem to have covered himself in glory. Just another pissed up copper. The first two thirds though were interesting, I was a teenager myself during the 1970's and while never dabbling in LSD or other chemicals I smoked my fair share of dope etc - so the story rang true in the most part. So Mr Bentley, please make this a better read for the next editions - get an editor.
November 9, 2017
Read the entire thing in one evening and was not disappointed. Really changed my perception on what real undercover work was and I recommend it for anyone who is interested in a real world view of law enforcement. So often the work of these brave individuals is overly glamorized by Hollywood or goes unnoticed by the very people they are working to protect. Such courage, perseverance and intelligence should definitely be remembered. Thank you so much for sharing this with us Stephen and for giving so much of yourself and your life for others.
January 27, 2020
Excellent read but you must remember it is a memoir. I read this book in one sitting and truly enjoyed it. This is a true story, told with all the gritty details....NOT Hollywood glamor!!!!
I highly recommend this book to crime readers. It is a fantastic story written by one of the undercover officers many years after the actual event. It will make mind blowing movie.
I received an ARC of this book and am very happy to give an honest review. This was my first read by this author but it will not be my last.
I highly recommend this book to crime readers. It is a fantastic story written by one of the undercover officers many years after the actual event. It will make mind blowing movie.
I received an ARC of this book and am very happy to give an honest review. This was my first read by this author but it will not be my last.
July 23, 2020
What an informative as well as exciting account of days undercover with drug dealers from many countries. I enjoyed the trip back to the 70s as well with the culture that was prevalent then. What amazed me most was the friendships that developed between the undercover cops and the upper level drug dealers. The thing that did not amaze me, as always, is the politicians interfering with the operation, obviously because of friends involved and the lack of recognition of the undercover men by the desk jockeys in the ranks of the police department.
Read
February 10, 2021Undercover: Operation Julie - The Inside Story, my fourth read from author Stephen Bentley, and my first non-fiction by him. December seemed to be my month for new authors, January continued the trend, and now February. Surprisingly enjoyable read. Greg Patmore’s narration adds greatly to a good book's enjoyment, he became Stephen Bentley. “I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." I own 8 other books by this author and look forward to reading more from him. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
February 19, 2018
A very self-aware autobiography
A valuable insight into the life of a cop who was thrust - without training for the role - into an eight-month deep cover assignment, and who ended up playing a crucial role in the largest investigation and seizure of LSD in the history of the UK. Worth reading for purposes of police management and a debate on national drug policies.
A valuable insight into the life of a cop who was thrust - without training for the role - into an eight-month deep cover assignment, and who ended up playing a crucial role in the largest investigation and seizure of LSD in the history of the UK. Worth reading for purposes of police management and a debate on national drug policies.
July 16, 2020
Good read
This is the first time I've read this author . With it being a factual book I found it hard going towards the end. It puts into specific what police officers can go through and what they don't get any thanks for and the powers of be can stop a career in its tracks. I feel there should of be more care taken after the operation was over to support them involved
This is the first time I've read this author . With it being a factual book I found it hard going towards the end. It puts into specific what police officers can go through and what they don't get any thanks for and the powers of be can stop a career in its tracks. I feel there should of be more care taken after the operation was over to support them involved
February 20, 2021
This is fascinating account of Stephens part in Operation Julie, It shows the stress and danger of undercover work, the drink and drugs, his relationship with some of his superiors and the criminals he was sent to watch. I loved it, great down to earth writing describing this period perfectly. Highly Recommended. I bought a copy of the audiobook and that works even better.
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