Undisclosed Files of the Police: Cases from the Archives of the NYPD from 1831 to the Present

by Bernard Whalen, Philip Messing, Robert Mladinich

More than 175 years of true crimes culled from the city's police blotter, told through startling, rarely seen images and insightful text by two NYPD officers and a NYC crime reporter.
From atrocities that occurred before the establishment of New York's police force in 1845 through the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in 2001 to the present day, this visual history is an insider's look at more than 80 real-life crimes that shocked the nation, from arson to gangland murders, robberies, serial killers, bombings, and kidnappings,

Perfect for crime buffs, urban historians, and fans of Serial and Making of a Murderer , this riveting collection details New York's most startling and unsettling crimes through behind-the-scenes analysis of investigations and more than 500 revealing photographs.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, History, Audiobook, Photography, Research

320 pages, Hardcover

Published September 27, 2016

Reviews

[Kristina Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these kinds of books. Just a collection of true crime stories from NYC through the ages.

[Mh430 · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first part of this book is terrific - and of course terrifically well-illustrated. The occasional clunky line of text is there, perhaps demonstrating that two of the three credited authors are not professional writers, but clearly obscure historical sources have been consulted and the 'Cases' are presented quite effectively. But then as the book progresses into the decades after the Second World War the work takes on more of an 'us versus them' mentality where the NYPD again and again is purportedly confronted, victimized, by angry men of color. I wouldn't expect this work to dwell on the larger social issues impacting the United States in the post WWII era but I think the book could have done a better job of showing why some elements of society had reason to not see the New York Police Department as their servants and protectors.

[Sheuringd1988 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting crime history

A great variety of victims, crimes, and criminals are covered, plus accounts of how the police departments of such a large city developed. Quick, easy chapters with lots of pictures, news articles, and illustrations. Some formatting issues and skipped words do detract from the Kindle version's quality. Overall, a good look at history.

[Mica's Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Over the past 175 years the New York police force there has been a wide variety of crimes that have occurred in the city; this book takes a look at some of the most interesting, infamous, and well-known cases. Through the multiple variations of the New York Police Department, they have dealt with internal struggles, men with strong mafia ties, and terrorism striking the heart of the City. This is told as a series of short stories about the crimes and the various moments in the department's history.

The authors did a good job of gathering stories to fully explain the growth within the department and how they solved crimes. Thanks to technology and police officers willing to go the extra mile to bring the culprits to justice. If you are looking for a read that will take you back through the history of New York's Finest then this would be perfect.

[Bettye McKee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A chronicle of crime in the Big Apple

Beginning in 1802 with the formation of a police force and continuing to the publication of this book in 2016, reading this book is like a guided tour of crime in New York City.

Includes photos.

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[Sandirae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting look at some real crimes from New York over the last two centuries. Was written almost like a book of short stories, but were events and people that actually existed. Truth is stranger than fiction, even in the world of crime.

[Robin Yaklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

DO NOT READ AT BEDTIME!!! He dug into the files and viola the dirt. NYC is big and its past is big and full of things readers usually don't think about until curiosity gets the better. Very intriguing.

[Aishuu · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun collection of stories about the NYC police's case. Basically what it says on the tin...

[Gabriel Sloane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking for gangs of NY but this was interesting. A little misleading when searching for gangs but all in all, a good listen.

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Nadia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good information but very dry.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this fascinating book on NYC crimes.

Enjoyed this fascinating book on NYC crimes. Short stories on some of NYC's most notably crimes. Recommended if you are inquisitive about this subject.