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NYPD: Through the Looking Glass: Stories From Inside Americas Largest Police Department
To an outsider, the New York City Police Department is a mysterious well-oiled machine responsible for maintaining law and order in the world's greatest city. To run this three-ring circus, you need a forty thousand-member police department with a sense of humor. After a memorable twenty-year career, retired NYPD detective Vic Ferrari shares his colorful stories while pulling no punches about the humorous side of the world's largest police department.You might be surprised to learn that moving a corpse to avoid working late is not a good idea. Or how hiding a gun in your oven can ruin an evening. And what about the gun battle inside the crowded cemetery during a funeral procession?Or the practical jokes that went too far. And all the NYPD Precinct nicknames! The unofficial NYPD glossary and much more! Through the Looking Glass is a behind-the-scenes look into the New York City Police Department filled with action, suspense, and nonstop laughs! A must-read for cop buffs, true crime readers, and anyone with a sense of humor!
- GenresNonfiction
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
242 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Vic Ferrari
14 books21 followersVic Ferrari is a retired twenty-year veteran of the
New York City police department. A Bronx resident for over 40 years he now splits his time between sunny Florida and his timeshare in North Korea. He lives with his Irish Wolfhound puppy Dougal who follows him everywhere, including the bathroom. He enjoys writing, cooking, and managing a coed softball team filled with unhappy complaining miscreants. This summer he fulfilled his childhood dream of throwing out the first pitch of a minor league baseball game under an assumed name.
New York City police department. A Bronx resident for over 40 years he now splits his time between sunny Florida and his timeshare in North Korea. He lives with his Irish Wolfhound puppy Dougal who follows him everywhere, including the bathroom. He enjoys writing, cooking, and managing a coed softball team filled with unhappy complaining miscreants. This summer he fulfilled his childhood dream of throwing out the first pitch of a minor league baseball game under an assumed name.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 12, 2021
Ever wondered what it would be like to ride along with the NYPD, but not have to leave your house? Ferrari gives us a firsthand view of all the craziness, seriousness, and madness a police officer has to deal with every night on patrol. I laughed all through this book. The unique characters you meet that the police have daily run ins with were great. I wonder if they are still there today or moved on to greener pastures. You also get a look behind the scenes, in the squad and locker rooms. A fun, relaxing read that will have you laughing.
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May 19, 2020
***If your tired of reading those true crime story dramas, well here's a book to relive you from the seriousness and take you to the true and funny world that law enforcement goes through every day. A quick book to get you laughing along with a look into the world of New York law enforcement through the eyes of a seasoned detective. Vic Ferrari once again through his great storytelling skill brings the stories and mishaps into paper form. His outlook on life of "Dickheads and Debauchery: and Other Ways to Die" had brought out the truth to life situations that we all face. Now the veteran detective brings his new outlook on funny stories of law enforcement for your reading pleasure. It's not "War and Peace" but a great book to put a smile on your face and couple of stories within to make you look at life differently. Good Job Vic and hope for you to put together a good crime drama with all your expertise and stories, it would probably hit the NY Times Bestseller list.
November 2, 2018
Not what I expected
I really didn't know what to expect with this book, but I am a little disappointed. But let me point out it was not to any fault of the author. I actually liked the way he wrote and found him enjoyable and funny. So I am more disappointed with what I thought it would be about. I was under the impression that it would be more about crimes and criminals and instead it was more about the practical jokes and little stuff like that. I would of found it more enjoyable if it was more crime based, or I'm pretty sure I would as I must admit I love true crime....
That being said I also want to point out I did enjoy the authors work and it was good enough I didn't give up on it or put it down. And that says a lot. I just wanted to point out that I thought it was going to be coming from a different perspective. I must admit that the author has a great talent and I will def try again to read another I will just keep my options more open! Keep up the great work and thank you for all your hard work and dedication cause without people like you willing to do one of the most thankless jobs out there there's no telling where we would be today! So if no one else has said it today thank you!!!!
I really didn't know what to expect with this book, but I am a little disappointed. But let me point out it was not to any fault of the author. I actually liked the way he wrote and found him enjoyable and funny. So I am more disappointed with what I thought it would be about. I was under the impression that it would be more about crimes and criminals and instead it was more about the practical jokes and little stuff like that. I would of found it more enjoyable if it was more crime based, or I'm pretty sure I would as I must admit I love true crime....
That being said I also want to point out I did enjoy the authors work and it was good enough I didn't give up on it or put it down. And that says a lot. I just wanted to point out that I thought it was going to be coming from a different perspective. I must admit that the author has a great talent and I will def try again to read another I will just keep my options more open! Keep up the great work and thank you for all your hard work and dedication cause without people like you willing to do one of the most thankless jobs out there there's no telling where we would be today! So if no one else has said it today thank you!!!!
August 2, 2019
What do you get when you read a story about the NYPD, written by a retired detective with over 30 years experience? You get a really good peek behind the curtain on what really happens as an officer with the New York Police Department. There is a good mix of interesting facts, sad stories, and of course the down right funny situations. Such as the time they attempted to de-ice the door locks with a road flare only to discover after damaging the car, they had the wrong vehicle. There is also some interesting facts, such a promotions and hiring and the just down right bizarre - the officer who used his patrol car for hunting... literally.
On the downside there were a couple of times, I felt the chapter went longer or more in-depth that was necessary, but it's the authors story for him to tell.
On the downside there were a couple of times, I felt the chapter went longer or more in-depth that was necessary, but it's the authors story for him to tell.
April 18, 2024
As a 20 year veteran of the NYPD myself I can really relate to the stories that Vic tells. I went on the force the same time as Vic, and he can really tell a story that made me laugh over and over again. Do yourself a favor and buy this book, Vic writes in a style that even if you're a civilian you will get it and laugh too! You probably won't believe what goes on in this book, but shit like what's in this book really does happen. After reading this I immediately bought another one of his books and started reading it. Vic's podcasts (NYPD Through the Looking Glass) and the guests he has on are hysterical and the reason I bought this book. Read, Enjoy and LAUGH!!
May 9, 2023
Between 4 and 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The stories were interesting, but I would bet Mr. Ferrari and his co-workers were put in a lot more dangerous situations than were in this book. The officers serving our communities across this country do not get nearly the respect they deserve. We're seeing what happens when cities "defund the police". I don't know what possesses people to put on a uniform and go out and risk their lives for us each day, but we should all be thanking God that they do.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The stories were interesting, but I would bet Mr. Ferrari and his co-workers were put in a lot more dangerous situations than were in this book. The officers serving our communities across this country do not get nearly the respect they deserve. We're seeing what happens when cities "defund the police". I don't know what possesses people to put on a uniform and go out and risk their lives for us each day, but we should all be thanking God that they do.
June 22, 2018
Definitely behind the scenes
Our author know of which he speaks. I’m sure this book barely scrapes the surface of being an NYPD cop. Liked the look into part of the police academy training. Poor transcription from book to e-book. There were a few instances where I had to figure out what was actually written. Worth reading if you are the least bit interested in the world of the blue line.
Our author know of which he speaks. I’m sure this book barely scrapes the surface of being an NYPD cop. Liked the look into part of the police academy training. Poor transcription from book to e-book. There were a few instances where I had to figure out what was actually written. Worth reading if you are the least bit interested in the world of the blue line.
January 31, 2019
My respect for all officers of the law
My father was a state trooper and my mother’s brother was a cop in Manhattan and her cousin was a captain on eastern long island
They certainly have stories to tell both tragic and funny they deserve all the respect we all can give them putting their lives on the line for us daily
My father was a state trooper and my mother’s brother was a cop in Manhattan and her cousin was a captain on eastern long island
They certainly have stories to tell both tragic and funny they deserve all the respect we all can give them putting their lives on the line for us daily
January 14, 2025
Great book about NYC and PD in the 80s and 90s
Great book. Found it on the authors youtube page. Lots of funny stories. Some hard to believe. A lot of inside information on how things work in the NYPD. Well written and easy to read. Good for reading on subway or MetroNorth LIRR etc.
Great book. Found it on the authors youtube page. Lots of funny stories. Some hard to believe. A lot of inside information on how things work in the NYPD. Well written and easy to read. Good for reading on subway or MetroNorth LIRR etc.
November 30, 2019
Laugh Out Loud
I don’t care what you profession is you will find this book very entertaining. I’m also a retired officer and many of Vic’s stories happened during my career in some shape or form.
I don’t care what you profession is you will find this book very entertaining. I’m also a retired officer and many of Vic’s stories happened during my career in some shape or form.
May 25, 2020
Loved it
This was one of the fastest books I can remember reading. It was absolutely fascinating and very funny but at the same time quite interesting. I definitely recommend it. We'll absolutely buy additional books from this author.
This was one of the fastest books I can remember reading. It was absolutely fascinating and very funny but at the same time quite interesting. I definitely recommend it. We'll absolutely buy additional books from this author.
December 25, 2020
Plenty of good stories, but so many spelling/grammar/typo issues sometimes made it a harder and less enjoyable read than it could have been. Obviously not the fault of Mr. Ferrari who just needs a better publisher/editor.
April 18, 2023
What a great book. It’s easy to read with added humour. All frontline first responders should read this book, no matter what industry you are in, police, fire ems… some of the stories you will relate to.
October 25, 2018
It was a good book but transcription errors were
very distracting.
very distracting.
October 17, 2018
Funny
And awful.... i enjoyed this well written book. It is enlightening to this wyo hick. The internal pranks rock! Yes.
And awful.... i enjoyed this well written book. It is enlightening to this wyo hick. The internal pranks rock! Yes.
November 10, 2018
I served 30 years as a cop in a sm all NJ city near NY and much of what is written happened in my department. I was laughing out loud while reading the book. A great read.
May 6, 2019
Fun book
Great stories. Made me laugh out loud quite a bit. I'd recommend it whether you're in LE or not. Fun read.
Great stories. Made me laugh out loud quite a bit. I'd recommend it whether you're in LE or not. Fun read.
May 13, 2019
A good book that could’ve been an even better one with some judicious copy editing. Grammar, spelling, agreement of noun and verb, etc.
July 6, 2021
Great Book
Really enjoy this book. Love his style of writing, witty, honest and informative. Will look forward for his other books.
Really enjoy this book. Love his style of writing, witty, honest and informative. Will look forward for his other books.
December 13, 2023
on point with no filter!
I think it was a fun ride, without getting too morbid. Gives people a better appreciation of cops. I Hope!
I think it was a fun ride, without getting too morbid. Gives people a better appreciation of cops. I Hope!
January 17, 2024
My hubby liked.this book
January 3, 2020
My mom got me this book for the holidays and I enjoyed it so much! The stories are hilarious and very entertaining. Definitely going to read the rest of the books from the author. I highly recommend this book.
December 30, 2019
I enjoyed this book! It’s better than I had anticipated. Interesting and hilarious stories from the NYPD. I gifted a copy of to a friend who loved it!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews