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Who The F*ck Am I?

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As Steve Regan goes deep undercover, he starts to have problems separating reality from fiction.

Working as an undercover cop, he operates in a world of duplicity. In order to stay alive, he often thinks, How do I know people are who they say they are?

Tempted by the riches of drug smuggling so he can help a loved one, Regan wonders whether he can go 'rogue' and cross the line.

Regan infiltrates a South American cartel headed up by a Miami-based Mob-connected drug lord, and getting involved in a million-dollar cocaine deal escalates the dangers of working undercover.

On his return to the United Kingdom from Miami, Regan discovers a plot to kill a leading barrister. Is this linked to the Mob and drug cartel?

Faced with a race against time through London to prevent the barrister’s murder, Regan is confronted by more questions and threats to his life. Just how far will the Mob go to protect its interests?

You will be shocked to discover the measures these gangsters will use to stay free and out of jail.

Based on a true story and inspired by the author’s real-life undercover days and bestselling memoir, his crime fiction story brings to life Steve Regan, a laid-back badass British undercover cop in the Steve Regan Undercover Cop Thriller series.

The title of the book is a nod to identity confusion often experienced by cops who are deep undercover.

If you like hard-boiled crime fiction or are a Jack Reacher fan, this book is for you. Original-concept crime fiction about an undercover cop written by a former undercover cop!

Regan’s early years and first undercover thriller can be found in the prequel ‘The Secret.’

"I knew when I read the author's first book Undercover: Operation Julie 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?" - Pat McDonald, British Crime Author

174 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2019

31 people are currently reading
329 people want to read

About the author

Stephen Bentley

54 books269 followers
Stephen 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

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Joni Dee.
Author 2 books42 followers
February 2, 2018
A Good Novella Which Gives You a Taste for More

“Who the F*ck Am I?” is a novella by Stephen Bentley (more about him later), which can only be described as borderline non-fiction crime-thriller genre.
Steve Regan is an undercover cop, who is trying to infiltrate a US-driven drug ring in late 70s Britain. He comes across Bill Morris, a Canadian international who is trying to establish this drug ring, and they immediately set off on a collision course. While Regan is the ultimate conflicted good boy, Bill is the absolute devil: murder, rape, and outright violence is his bread and butter, while he is in bed with the dangerous Bolivian cartel. Will Steve stop him or will he succumb to the thrill and glamorous life of an international drug dealer and go rogue?

As a novella, which sets the scene to a trilogy, “Who the F*ck Am I?” is a very good read. Stephen Bentley’s writing is precise, well edited and weaved with high English as well as punchy Cockney slang. Stephen Bentley has been an undercover cop himself, active in “operation July” which is one of the biggest international drug busts in modern history. Bentley had managed a variety of jobs, including a barrister, and his intimate knowledge of the crime world oozes from the pages. There’s no doubt in my mind that this book is inspired by real events, even though the author is trying to undermine this in his foreword.

The critical aspect of this review has to do with the Characters – Regan was a bit underdeveloped for my taste, and I would have loved to understand what he was doing undercover for two years, He is too “perfect” and I didn’t buy for a second his “going rogue” thoughts. My second critical point has to do with the ending. Without giving out any details, I think the entire episodes after the climax of the Regan-Bill confrontation were unnecessary. instead I would have preferred a more elaborated account of Bill’s affairs in the US and Regan’s past. The book ends in a very American-movie manner and too many things fit into their right place…

“Who the F*ck Am I?”‘s plot is plausible and believable, however I would have loved to see it develop more: A bit more about the cartel, Bill and Regan’s life would have made me much more content. Compelled to write this, I must concede that this novel is well succinct and is a page turner on its own merit. The book will give you a glimpse of the undercover life and if you like crime thrillers you would love to enter this 70s world of no mobile phones, no advance tech and old school British-gangster-violence.

I have received this book free from BookGobbler, running until 28th Feb
Profile Image for Kay Castaneda.
Author 4 books27 followers
February 12, 2019
I don't usually read crime fiction books, so I didn't know what to expect. After reading Who The F*ck Am I?, I can say that I was entertained and couldn't stop until the end! The character of Steve Regan as the laid-back undercover cop was perfectly described. I like to see images of characters in my mind as I'm reading and the author used vivid details for the people and action. The internal struggle of Regan as he's assigned a case involving a Bolivian cocaine cartel, and whether he should give in to the lure of easy money, makes the character more personable. I liked the fact that Regan considered his life and how his actions would affect his mother. I don't like to read about characters who are one-sided. Loves his mom but likes to fight the bad guys, Regan is one attractive fictional character. Author Stephen Bentley uses his experience as a former undercover detective in the U.K. to give the reader insight into the criminal world. This is Book 1 of his Steve Regan Undercover Cop Series. I will definitely be reading the other books in this series!
Profile Image for Caroline Walken.
Author 6 books92 followers
October 26, 2018
Kept me on my toes!

Stephen Bentley kept me my toes! Love the inside peek into the undercover world! Just when I convinced myself who the rat was, I was fooled! Enjoyed this thoroughly, you will too!
Profile Image for Marshall D. Whitaker.
45 reviews
February 10, 2019
You May Want To Stop

As I read this book, there were several times I considered putting it down. That would have been a mistake. Stephen Bentley accomplished his purpose for this work and then some of you will trust me and read this awesome novella to the end.
1,299 reviews16 followers
March 23, 2020
1976 England. Undercover cops infiltrating drug cartels. A soon to be Queens Counsel selling cocaine to other barristers. Sex, guns and English pubs. This is one very original book. You're gonna love it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
420 reviews1 follower
September 14, 2020
A very enjoyable read - It is evident this book was based on personal experience. With all that money around you it must very difficult to not want some of it.
Profile Image for Tina.
1,298 reviews9 followers
January 27, 2019
I read the 2nd book Dilemma before this one. It didn't spoil the story reading them out of order!
As with Dilemma i loved this book and didn't want to put it down. Unfortunately work got in the way 😏.
I really like reading about Regan and his no nonsense in not giving a sh*t. He gets the job done!
Profile Image for Deedra.
3,932 reviews39 followers
January 26, 2019
Audible:A very good story.I like the main characters.Alan R. Gron was a terrific narrator.Looking forward to book 2!I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.
Profile Image for Charlotte.
2,121 reviews80 followers
November 11, 2017
I felt this story started out slow. The slow just did not hold my attention. I did not connect with the characters. This was just a boring read for me. I do like that this was a real undercover operation. I like that this was a real undercover officer. The story was well written.
Profile Image for Elite Group.
3,112 reviews53 followers
September 17, 2018
Does your undercover life become your real one?

Steve Regan is an undercover cop. He and his partner, Red, are sent to infiltrate a large drug cartel and they soon find out that all is not as it seems. With lots of twists and turns, this book is like nothing you have read before.

The author is an ex undercover agent and uses his experiences to write his books. This book is funny and has you wondering who the hell is who. I liken this book to the tv series The Professionals as the two main characters bounce off each other in the same way and there are a lot of high up secret squirrels going on.

This is a novella so quite short, but it really was good which, despite the title, had a 70s feel to it. I loved it and I am looking forward to reading more featuring these characters.

Well recommended.

Shesat

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
Profile Image for Kate Everward.
64 reviews3 followers
December 2, 2017
Obviously a book about an undercover cop written by a former undercover cop already sounds interesting and though the author states that it’s not his story, you do wonder how much of him is in there. How much of his own experience. I actually hope it’s not part of his story because this one was tough even though it started a bit slow… The characters are quite surprising, shocking even, well their behavior is at least. I can’t imagine what real undercover cops go through and the lives they must endure. It also makes you wonder whether anyone really checks what happens when they go undercover. What lives do they create, save and destroy? Are they ever punished for the crimes they commit if they do or is it considered necessary evil? Reading this book gives you part of that insight and I recommend reading it because there's a world out there we simply don't know. It’s well written (except for the beginning which is too slow), interesting, makes you angry but also hopeful though usually you can recognize a hero in a story. Not here. At least not for me. Read it, you might be surprised by what you find.
1,774 reviews23 followers
June 9, 2020
I like stories that are based on true life events. While this isn't about a single event, but true life experience, it makes for a very enlightening, entertaining read! Working undercover. Going rogue. Dealing with family. Dealing with criminals. Danger. Violence. Crime. Also, I loved the humor!
I listened to Audible version and I think in this instance, it would have been better to read it myself. The narrator did little to enhance the excitement. And with so many various characters, I was lost as to who was who. (I should have taken notes.)
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Story Origin.
Profile Image for Kelly Furniss.
1,030 reviews
November 3, 2018
This book pulled me in from the start and had me engrossed to the very end.
The authors experience and knowledge of being undercover trying to infiltrate a drug cartel completely shone through giving me shocking glimpses in to the underworld.
The characterisation was brilliant and really gave a sense of the atmosphere and place.
The tension level was just right urging me to keep reading on.
I enjoyed this book very much and will be keeping an eye on this author in the future.
Profile Image for Roger.
5,598 reviews28 followers
Read
August 18, 2021
Who The F*ck Am I? (Steve Regan Undercover Cop, #1), my fifth read from author Stephen Bentley. Surprisingly enjoyable read. Alan R. Gron’s narration adds greatly to a good book's enjoyment. “I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I own 12 other books by this author and look forward to reading more from him. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

AS an aside, I am NOT a fan of Audiobooks.com. You can't adjust the playback speed, it doesn't hold your place if you have to pause overnight.
451 reviews4 followers
March 30, 2020
Top notch must read book.

I found this to be a really engrossing book. Fast moving, with a believable plot and utterly believable characters. I have personal knowledge of some of the locations and they are accurately described. I've got the next two books in the series and will read them soon. Thank you Stephen
148 reviews2 followers
February 1, 2020
Enjoyed reading this book very much and you will too.
The writing is great. The story flows well. Interesting, intriguing, mysterious, lots of twists to keep you guessing. It made me wonder just how much of the author was actually in the words.
I definitely recommend this book.....
152 reviews
June 7, 2020
FAST PACED

Stephen Bentley is a former undercover police officer who has written about an undercover cop, Steve Regan. Fast paced crime fiction at its best. A real page turner that was read in one sitting. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Marmalade .
501 reviews
October 5, 2019
Loved the 1st book in the series and can't wait to find out what he gets up to in the next 2 books 🙂
Profile Image for Esther  Smith.
225 reviews13 followers
April 6, 2020
Interesting read

Truly an interesting twist on undercover work. I was VERY surprised at all of the twists and surprises in this book. A good read for sure
Profile Image for Sabina Carrara.
Author 4 books20 followers
April 19, 2020
A well written crime story that makes you wonder where the non-fiction ends and the fiction starts.
I for sure read more of this author.
40 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2020
Good reading,

Lots of twists and turns that make the story interesting! Looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
556 reviews1 follower
December 11, 2020
Fast paced.

Steve is an undercover cop in the murky world of drug dealing. And he is in so deep he has a job to remember who he really is.
An entertaining read that keeps you hooked and wondering who is really who.
Brilliant.
Profile Image for Brianna.
62 reviews2 followers
November 26, 2017
I liked that this was an undercover cop story written by an undercover cop. There were parts of the book that struggled to hold my attention, but the action scenes were well written and it had a few surprise "twists."
I won this off of a giveaway !
12.6k reviews189 followers
August 22, 2021
Regan us one of the best at his Undercover Cop job. There are definitely days when it seems more dangerous. Once you start there’s no stopping until the end. Loved it.
Profile Image for Cyrene Olson.
1,412 reviews18 followers
January 1, 2018
This book has something going for it in that an ex-undercover officer wrote about crime, so I think that is partly what made this very believable, even though I found some of their actions a bit on the shocking side. Pros – the characters are original and engaging and the plot is well thought out. The world is described well and it’s easy to picture the scene as you read along. Cons – this was a real slow starter. If you get through the first few chapters, you will be in for an engaging read. I like when a book starts out fast and peppers the action with the descriptions as we go, this one did not. But don’t let that hold you back – the real-life experiences of the author does the book justice. Reviewed by Cyrene
Profile Image for Rodney Strong.
Author 29 books116 followers
February 6, 2018
Who the F*ck am I? centers on British undercover cop Steve Regan as he navigates the murky world of drugs in the 1970s. He's been under for so long he begins to question who he is and whether he should succumb to the temptations of easy money to help save his mother.

First off I need to say I love the title. Not only is it abrupt and in your face, it matches the speech and thought patterns of the main character Steve Regan. This promised to be a gritty, no holds barred, view of undercover work in the 70s. And for the most part it delivers. The language is believable, and although some of the characters are a little cliched, for the most part they are well drawn.

This is a novella, and the story is quite short, which means it is a little frustrating that the story bounces between characters. There are long periods where it's told from Bill or Caroline, and Regan isn't even in the picture. This means you never really get into his mind and follow the struggle he has about whether to turn rogue.

The author has a tendency to interrupt tense scenes with long expositions. At one point Regan is meeting the drug cartel for the first time, which should be fraught with danger, but instead we get two pages of back story on Regan and how he got there.

Even though it's a novella and intended to be short, it actually could have been shorter. There was a natural conclusion point, but things dragged on a little while the author set up the next book. The last ten or so pages could easily have shown up as the beginning of the next book and not impacted on this book at all.

This was a solid start for Bentley, and I'll be interested to see where he goes from here.
Profile Image for Elite Group.
3,112 reviews53 followers
April 2, 2018
Does your undercover life become your real one?

Steve Regan is an undercover cop. He and his partner, Red, are sent to infiltrate a large drug cartel and they soon find out that all is not as it seems. With lots of twists and turns, this book is like nothing you have read before.

The author is an ex-undercover agent and uses his experiences to write his books. This book is funny and has you wondering who the hell is who. I liken this book to the tv series The Professionals as the two main characters bounce off each other in the same way and there are a lot of high up secret squirrels going on.

This is a novella so quite short, but it really was good which, despite the title, had a 70s feel to it. I loved it and I am looking forward to reading more featuring these characters.

Well recommended.

Shesat

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.

Profile Image for Cynthia.
2,097 reviews22 followers
February 12, 2018
It is a very slow start that doesn’t really hold my attention, I do think that it is most likely very true to a true investigation they are slow and have to work from clues. It is a lot of setting around waiting in true life. For me the author just never pulled me in and lost me. There are so very good parts with some good characters however I didn’t really connect with them and found the book lacking in the areas that pull me in. Do not let my thoughts turn you off from the book, some have read it and LOVED IT. You give it a try and see what you think.
Profile Image for Sandy Grant.
106 reviews2 followers
July 18, 2019
Steve Regan is the cop you'll love and hate all at once. The author pulls you into a world of drugs where money flows like water.

Join Regan as he sets out to make the UK a better place. But can he resist the multitude of temptations or will he get on board the drug train and live a life most only dream of?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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