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Detective Henk van der Pol
Initiation: Amsterdam, '83: Detective Henk van der Pol
In autumn 1983, Henk van der Pol is twenty-three years old and just one week out of police training. His dream is to be admitted to the elite detective bureau of Amsterdam’s police force, but he knows he needs to prove himself as a uniformed officer first.
That is, until he is sent to interview witnesses of an audacious kidnapping in the city centre: Alfred Heineken, head of the brewery corporation, has been snatched by shadowy assailants and driven at speed from the scene. Is this really just about a ransom or is there any truth to the rumour that West German terrorists are involved? The case is far beyond van der Pol’s rank but his instincts tell him to do everything in his modest power to solve it—even if it means putting his own life at risk.
From the bestselling author of The Harbour Master, Initiation introduces Daniel Pembrey’s beloved detective as a green young officer at the very start of his career, determined to outwit criminals and his superiors alike, in a first case that could well have been his last.
- GenresMystery
122 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 16, 2018
57 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Pembrey
13 books43 followersDaniel Pembrey grew up in Nottinghamshire, England — beside Sherwood Forest. He studied history at Edinburgh University and spent over a decade working in America and more recently Luxembourg, coming to rest in Amsterdam and London — dividing his time now between these two great maritime cities. He is the author of the Henk van der Pol detective series and several short thriller stories, and he contributes articles to publications including The Financial Times and The (London) Times. In order to write The Harbour Master, he spent several months living in the docklands area of East Amsterdam, counting De Druif bar as his local.
To receive occasional email updates and offers of free exclusive content, please sign up at www.danielpembrey.com. Daniel is also on Twitter, @DPemb.
To receive occasional email updates and offers of free exclusive content, please sign up at www.danielpembrey.com. Daniel is also on Twitter, @DPemb.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 25, 2019
A gentle introduction into life of Henk van der Pol but not the detective fans knows nearing retirement but the raw recruit in the police force.
It is the story of a high profile kidnapping and Henk’s first exposure to the approach of detectives at work. He initially catches their eye following his on the scene report but then becomes obsessed by the case.
Since this is the grounding of the man upon whom the later books are based the seeds of his life are sown in this interesting story.
It shows van der Pol at his impetuous best and worse as he threatens to blow the investigation off course by his individual endeavours. Outside the main group of officers dealing with the ransom demands and following up clues and tip offs. The young rookie officer acts without back-up and with little thought to the consequences, but wanting to demonstrate his worth and value as a detective and putting into practice the theory he has learned in training.
Despite clearly showing initiative the seasoned detectives repeatedly demand that he stands down. He simply can’t behave as a amateur detective, his career is in danger of failing before it has begun.
I liked the determination of the young man, clearly gifted and destined for better things. The budding ideas for where he wants to live, his approach and designs on women and the naivety that leaves him beholden to a mysterious fixer are all harvested in the grown up series.
A great introduction to the series or a pleasant story reflecting on how close van der Pol came to losing his warrant card. Fans will love this early period in his life and new readers will have been introduced to a new talented author.
I loved the care the author takes to share the wonder of Amsterdam, the journeys through the city on a bike and the historical perspectives. It shows the love he holds this place in and his intimate knowledge of its environs which make for a good reading experience.
It is the story of a high profile kidnapping and Henk’s first exposure to the approach of detectives at work. He initially catches their eye following his on the scene report but then becomes obsessed by the case.
Since this is the grounding of the man upon whom the later books are based the seeds of his life are sown in this interesting story.
It shows van der Pol at his impetuous best and worse as he threatens to blow the investigation off course by his individual endeavours. Outside the main group of officers dealing with the ransom demands and following up clues and tip offs. The young rookie officer acts without back-up and with little thought to the consequences, but wanting to demonstrate his worth and value as a detective and putting into practice the theory he has learned in training.
Despite clearly showing initiative the seasoned detectives repeatedly demand that he stands down. He simply can’t behave as a amateur detective, his career is in danger of failing before it has begun.
I liked the determination of the young man, clearly gifted and destined for better things. The budding ideas for where he wants to live, his approach and designs on women and the naivety that leaves him beholden to a mysterious fixer are all harvested in the grown up series.
A great introduction to the series or a pleasant story reflecting on how close van der Pol came to losing his warrant card. Fans will love this early period in his life and new readers will have been introduced to a new talented author.
I loved the care the author takes to share the wonder of Amsterdam, the journeys through the city on a bike and the historical perspectives. It shows the love he holds this place in and his intimate knowledge of its environs which make for a good reading experience.
January 3, 2018
I loved returning to Amsterdam and meeting the younger, less experienced but ever-so-determined Henk van der Pol. The time is 1983 and the reader is introduced to kidnapping, corruption, politics, beginnings, friendships, love, secrets and a search for the truth.
This complex and riveting plot will keep the reader turning the pages as we meet Henk as a young police officer sticking his nose in a case that could end his career before it even starts! I adore the author’s ability to draw the reader in through rich, detailed descriptions – I was right there, in Amsterdam listening, feeling and watching the story unfold! The narrative places the author in the league of greats in my opinion – simply divine! I just want to shout out about this short story sooo much!
Character-wise…well, I think you can guess what I am going to say….Bloody brilliant! Henk van der Pol may be 23 years old and wet behind the years, but his character is pretty much the same as you find him later in life. Of course he has a few lessons to learn, and his nose for trouble leads him to some unsavoury situations – but this is what he thrives on. I think the author did a great job in taking the reader back to where it all began and I loved seeing him meet Petra, Frank Hals and Erik Luhrs for the first time. The relationships between these characters were well written and fascinating. I don’t want to say anymore as I think I may spoil something if I do!
This is a great introduction to the Henk van der Pol series but can be read either as a prequel or following the two novels already out! Action-packed, atmospheric and completing engrossing, readers will really enjoy this short story! I highly recommend reading this WHOLE series though -it is great to delve into a police procedural in such an interesting setting! I can’t wait for the next in the series now!
#NoPressureMrPembrey 🤣
This complex and riveting plot will keep the reader turning the pages as we meet Henk as a young police officer sticking his nose in a case that could end his career before it even starts! I adore the author’s ability to draw the reader in through rich, detailed descriptions – I was right there, in Amsterdam listening, feeling and watching the story unfold! The narrative places the author in the league of greats in my opinion – simply divine! I just want to shout out about this short story sooo much!
Character-wise…well, I think you can guess what I am going to say….Bloody brilliant! Henk van der Pol may be 23 years old and wet behind the years, but his character is pretty much the same as you find him later in life. Of course he has a few lessons to learn, and his nose for trouble leads him to some unsavoury situations – but this is what he thrives on. I think the author did a great job in taking the reader back to where it all began and I loved seeing him meet Petra, Frank Hals and Erik Luhrs for the first time. The relationships between these characters were well written and fascinating. I don’t want to say anymore as I think I may spoil something if I do!
This is a great introduction to the Henk van der Pol series but can be read either as a prequel or following the two novels already out! Action-packed, atmospheric and completing engrossing, readers will really enjoy this short story! I highly recommend reading this WHOLE series though -it is great to delve into a police procedural in such an interesting setting! I can’t wait for the next in the series now!
#NoPressureMrPembrey 🤣
April 27, 2018
Short novel set in 1980s JORDAAN, Amsterdam
On this link we chat to author Daniel Pembrey about his research for 1980s JORDAAN https://www.tripfiction.com/daniel-pe...
“..the search for a Dutch-speaking middle-aged man..”
Daniel’s short novel opens with ticking tension….Freddy Heineken, who is business royalty, has been kidnapped, and Henk van der Pol is sent to investigate. The novel is based on a true story.
The book is neatly set in the 1980s, when people still smoked more than they do today and when mobile phones were a distant dream. Opel Kadetts at the time were as ubiquitous as the Fiat 500 is now. A time when the Red Army Faction and the Baader Meinhof groups were very active….
Even in this short book – a Kindle Single – the reader gets to know Henk van der Pol on both a professional and personal level. He is only a week out of training and to be involved at any level in such a big case, so early in his career, is quite something. There is of course a love interest brewing for him in the form of journalist Petra but she maybe has more of an eye on a story than on him. He is not, however, easily deterred.
There are quite a few chases – out to Eindhoven and back – in search of the kidnappers, including a Dutch-speaking middle-aged man. Gradually van der Pol sees that the net stretches much wider and further than even he could have imagined.
The author is really skilled at bringing his characters to life, with little quirks and mannerisms. The setting, too, makes for an atmospheric backdrop, with the misty streets and the flying Dutchman (aka van der Pol on his bike) navigating the Jordaan on his bicycle…. as he enters Eerste Boomdwarsstraat he notes the beauty of the scene as the street lights atmospherically casting their shadow. He stops for a beer or cafe at various venues, which Daniel mentions below. The author’s work is absolutely what TripFiction is about and perfect for armchair and actual travel. On my next visit to Amsterdam I will certainly be tracking down some of van der Pol’s steps and checking out some of the venues mentioned!
On this link we chat to author Daniel Pembrey about his research for 1980s JORDAAN https://www.tripfiction.com/daniel-pe...
“..the search for a Dutch-speaking middle-aged man..”
Daniel’s short novel opens with ticking tension….Freddy Heineken, who is business royalty, has been kidnapped, and Henk van der Pol is sent to investigate. The novel is based on a true story.
The book is neatly set in the 1980s, when people still smoked more than they do today and when mobile phones were a distant dream. Opel Kadetts at the time were as ubiquitous as the Fiat 500 is now. A time when the Red Army Faction and the Baader Meinhof groups were very active….
Even in this short book – a Kindle Single – the reader gets to know Henk van der Pol on both a professional and personal level. He is only a week out of training and to be involved at any level in such a big case, so early in his career, is quite something. There is of course a love interest brewing for him in the form of journalist Petra but she maybe has more of an eye on a story than on him. He is not, however, easily deterred.
There are quite a few chases – out to Eindhoven and back – in search of the kidnappers, including a Dutch-speaking middle-aged man. Gradually van der Pol sees that the net stretches much wider and further than even he could have imagined.
The author is really skilled at bringing his characters to life, with little quirks and mannerisms. The setting, too, makes for an atmospheric backdrop, with the misty streets and the flying Dutchman (aka van der Pol on his bike) navigating the Jordaan on his bicycle…. as he enters Eerste Boomdwarsstraat he notes the beauty of the scene as the street lights atmospherically casting their shadow. He stops for a beer or cafe at various venues, which Daniel mentions below. The author’s work is absolutely what TripFiction is about and perfect for armchair and actual travel. On my next visit to Amsterdam I will certainly be tracking down some of van der Pol’s steps and checking out some of the venues mentioned!
January 24, 2018
When we first meet Henk van der Pol in The Harbour Master, we’re made aware that Henk is not far off retirement age for the Dutch police force. In Night Market, he’s changed his job a bit but all his experience comes into play for his new role. For the latest instalment, Daniel Pembrey has created a prequel and takes us back to 1983 when Henk first becomes a police officer. Initiation: Amsterdam, ’83 is based on a true crime from that year – the kidnapping of Freddy Heineken, the CEO of the Dutch brewing company. Using careful research, Pembrey has fused fact with fiction very successfully. Henk is a rookie officer who’s sent initially to the scene. He’s side-lined when the seriousness of the incident is revealed but that doesn’t stop Henk searching for the truth and Heineken. In doing so, he meets a young, ambitious journalist – Petra – who’s equally determined to find the truth.
Henk’s age isn’t the only thing that’s different in this novella. Amsterdam in 1983 was very different to how it is now. This comes across well in Pembrey’s descriptions of a city in desperate need of redevelopment and regeneration. We meet Henk’s friends and possible enemies, and of course, we meet Petra. As it is a novella, the pace is fast and Daniel Pembrey has managed to pack a lot in. It reminds me a lot of Endeavour, the prequel for Inspector Morse, in the way that we see the early part of Henk’s life, knowing how it’s going to turn out in the future. I do hope that Daniel Pembrey will write more as Henk is just as fascinating in 1983 as he is in later years.
Henk’s age isn’t the only thing that’s different in this novella. Amsterdam in 1983 was very different to how it is now. This comes across well in Pembrey’s descriptions of a city in desperate need of redevelopment and regeneration. We meet Henk’s friends and possible enemies, and of course, we meet Petra. As it is a novella, the pace is fast and Daniel Pembrey has managed to pack a lot in. It reminds me a lot of Endeavour, the prequel for Inspector Morse, in the way that we see the early part of Henk’s life, knowing how it’s going to turn out in the future. I do hope that Daniel Pembrey will write more as Henk is just as fascinating in 1983 as he is in later years.
February 14, 2018
Initiation: Amsterdam, ‘83 by the talented Daniel Pembrey is the 3rd in the brilliant Detective Henk van dear Pol series but can be enjoyed as a stand-alone thriller.
Set in the seedier side of Amsterdam in 1983, we met the young policeman Henk van der Pol, his old army friend Johan and the gorgeous, strong willed Petra. From the cold, damp and unenviable conditions of Henk’s lodgings, exhausting bike rides through the streets of Amsterdam to the “just out of reach” HQ for the Dutch dectectives, Henk follows his hunches despite risking his new career before it starts.
Jam packed with action, powerful characters (wouldn’t like to be in the same country as some) horrible weather conditions, strong descriptive scenes, Daniel Pembrey again skilfully pens his thriller without wasting a word. A well written full blown novel in a short story. No one does it like Daniel Pembrey. Recommended.
I was given a copy of Initiation by the author. My review is totally honest and without bias: well apart from the fact Mr Pembrey is in the top of my list of favourite authors.
Set in the seedier side of Amsterdam in 1983, we met the young policeman Henk van der Pol, his old army friend Johan and the gorgeous, strong willed Petra. From the cold, damp and unenviable conditions of Henk’s lodgings, exhausting bike rides through the streets of Amsterdam to the “just out of reach” HQ for the Dutch dectectives, Henk follows his hunches despite risking his new career before it starts.
Jam packed with action, powerful characters (wouldn’t like to be in the same country as some) horrible weather conditions, strong descriptive scenes, Daniel Pembrey again skilfully pens his thriller without wasting a word. A well written full blown novel in a short story. No one does it like Daniel Pembrey. Recommended.
I was given a copy of Initiation by the author. My review is totally honest and without bias: well apart from the fact Mr Pembrey is in the top of my list of favourite authors.
January 28, 2018
I love Henk
Initiation:Amsterdam '83 is a prequel to two excellent Henk van der Pol novels, The Harbour Master and Night Market, and is a wonderful introduction to my favorite Dutch detective.
Initiation:Amsterdam '83 is a prequel to two excellent Henk van der Pol novels, The Harbour Master and Night Market, and is a wonderful introduction to my favorite Dutch detective.
March 6, 2018
Really enjoyed this prequel short story. Henk is the man!!! Loved the way he was portrayed as an eager young policeman.
July 21, 2018
Initiation: Amsterdam ’83’ , Daniel Pembrey. Kindle young van der Pol.
British writing about inner city life in Amsterdam 1983 and a major crime in the country is always going to have slight nuances missing but it was a surprisingly good read as the start of the Detective Henk van der Pol series.
The Heineken kidnapping has been covered and covered again and again but this was a nice twist......
Detective Henk van der Pol, Amsterdam
The Harbour Master, Van der Pol #1 2016. iBook. ✅
Night Market, Van der Pol #2. 2017. iBook. ✅
Initiation: Amsterdam ’83’ 2018. Kindle ✅ young van der Pol....
https://www.dutchnews.nl/features/201...
http://danielpembrey.co.uk
British writing about inner city life in Amsterdam 1983 and a major crime in the country is always going to have slight nuances missing but it was a surprisingly good read as the start of the Detective Henk van der Pol series.
The Heineken kidnapping has been covered and covered again and again but this was a nice twist......
Detective Henk van der Pol, Amsterdam
The Harbour Master, Van der Pol #1 2016. iBook. ✅
Night Market, Van der Pol #2. 2017. iBook. ✅
Initiation: Amsterdam ’83’ 2018. Kindle ✅ young van der Pol....
https://www.dutchnews.nl/features/201...
http://danielpembrey.co.uk
February 19, 2018
This was a terrible book, more like a street guide to Amsterdam. The street name were not easy to pronounce and in the end I realized that they weren't important so I ignored them.
That a guy with 4 days on the job was doing this investigation ....... it didn't get better......
That a guy with 4 days on the job was doing this investigation ....... it didn't get better......
February 28, 2018
Very good read
I would like to read more from this author. Very captivating, makes you want to sit up all night and read.
I would like to read more from this author. Very captivating, makes you want to sit up all night and read.
October 10, 2019
Yet another good one
So another look at our Dutch detective, this time going back to his genesis, I like these books hopefully you will too
So another look at our Dutch detective, this time going back to his genesis, I like these books hopefully you will too
February 8, 2018
Being able to go back to 1983 for a glimpse of Henk at the beginning of his career, and his relationship with Petra, is an absolute delight. I enjoyed this story so much and it really gave a lot of insight into what makes Henk the man he is. There's not a wasted moment in this gripping story and if you've been fortunate enough to have read the other books in this series, then you're in for a treat. So many relationships and events set in motion in youth, have a way of following you throughout your life. You would do well to follow Henk wherever he goes.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews