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The Ten Percent
Simon McLean takes the reader on an often hilarious, sometimes scary, always fascinating journey through the ranks of the Scottish from his spell as a rookie Constable in the hills and lochs of Argyll; through his career in Rothesay; and to his ultimate goal, The Serious Crime Squad in Glasgow.
Once there, readers are taken into the squad room and ride along as terrorists are pursued, murderers brought to book and armed fugitives confronted; always peeking behind the veil of professionalism and order portrayed to the world. We get a unique glimpse of the turmoil caused when the rules are stretched to the limit, when the gloves come off and fire fights fire and when some of their number decide enough is enough.
This is a very rare insight into the world of our plain clothes officers who infiltrate and suppress the very worst among us. The dealers, the shooters, the gangsters and the paedophiles; they need to fall by any means, and that’s a job best delivered by the few willing to do what’s required. THE TEN PERCENT.
Simon McLean tells ‘the truth, the whole truth and something like the truth’, and the result is a frank and fearless ‘warts and all’ examination of the role of the police in an ever-changing Scotland. It is also by far the most entertaining account you’ll ever read of the varied realities of life as a Scottish policeman.
Once there, readers are taken into the squad room and ride along as terrorists are pursued, murderers brought to book and armed fugitives confronted; always peeking behind the veil of professionalism and order portrayed to the world. We get a unique glimpse of the turmoil caused when the rules are stretched to the limit, when the gloves come off and fire fights fire and when some of their number decide enough is enough.
This is a very rare insight into the world of our plain clothes officers who infiltrate and suppress the very worst among us. The dealers, the shooters, the gangsters and the paedophiles; they need to fall by any means, and that’s a job best delivered by the few willing to do what’s required. THE TEN PERCENT.
Simon McLean tells ‘the truth, the whole truth and something like the truth’, and the result is a frank and fearless ‘warts and all’ examination of the role of the police in an ever-changing Scotland. It is also by far the most entertaining account you’ll ever read of the varied realities of life as a Scottish policeman.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
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November 2, 2020In The Ten Percent, Simon McLean, a former police officer with Strathclyde Police, takes a wry and witty look back on his long and eventful career. From callow beginnings, being sent to Campbeltown when only vaguely aware of where it was, to leading experimental attempts to quell the tsunami of drug misuse that overwhelmed Glasgow, Simon McLean threw everything into his work. He progressed quickly, becoming a weel-kent face in Campbeltown and showing he wasn’t going to be given the runaround by anyone. His investigatory skills were noticed by his superiors and at a very young age he was made a detective and later joined the Serious Crime Squad. There, he dealt with many difficult and traumatic cases but the black humour famously present among those who work in trying circumstances – police, fire and rescue, the medical profession etc – means that the stories are told in an engaging and involving way. Interspersed are many extremely funny tales, many of which – this being the west of Scotland – revolve around copious consumption of alcohol.
What we get in the book is a picture of a dedicated and proficient officer, someone who gave his all for the job and wouldn’t accept compromise but, equally, someone determined to enjoy every moment and seek fun and adventure in life.
The Ten Percent is a rattling good read, at times hilarious and at other times unbearably poignant. It is perfect for a cold, long winter’s evening, by the fire, with a dram close by.
What we get in the book is a picture of a dedicated and proficient officer, someone who gave his all for the job and wouldn’t accept compromise but, equally, someone determined to enjoy every moment and seek fun and adventure in life.
The Ten Percent is a rattling good read, at times hilarious and at other times unbearably poignant. It is perfect for a cold, long winter’s evening, by the fire, with a dram close by.
November 26, 2020
The early chapters of this book are an insight into the making of the guy that became an undercover cop on Strathclyde's serious crime squad. Lots of amusing anecdotes from the era that give an insight into what the force must have been like back in the day.
The later chapters cover the dark side of the job and explain some of the "goings on" that happen right under our noses but we are never aware of, unless of course you are involved.
While thankfully I never was involved, I grew up on Glasgow's southside and heard first hand of some of the area's characters and knew some of them personally. Reading this book took me back to my youth and probably explained some of the strange things that happened then.
If you like a laugh and a bit of intrigue I would recommend that you buy this book or download the kindle version, you will not be disappointed.
The later chapters cover the dark side of the job and explain some of the "goings on" that happen right under our noses but we are never aware of, unless of course you are involved.
While thankfully I never was involved, I grew up on Glasgow's southside and heard first hand of some of the area's characters and knew some of them personally. Reading this book took me back to my youth and probably explained some of the strange things that happened then.
If you like a laugh and a bit of intrigue I would recommend that you buy this book or download the kindle version, you will not be disappointed.
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November 27, 2022As the author of The Ten Percent I hope that it is fun. It was intended to convey some of the dark humor utilized by our emergency services when dealing with truly atrocious incidents. It is also a record of the first half of my police service, as a wee boy joining the force and being sent to the highlands of Scotland, to a young detective reaching the Serious Crime Squad in Glasgow.
It is told through stories and pays homage to all of my colleagues who make up the thin blue line, with a special thought for those victims of crime who rarely get a voice at all. The book is especially devoted to my youngest child Louise Jane McLean who I still miss every single day since she passed with Cystic Fibrosis in 2011. If I conveyed just 10% of my love for her then regardless of everything else, the book is a roaring success.
It is told through stories and pays homage to all of my colleagues who make up the thin blue line, with a special thought for those victims of crime who rarely get a voice at all. The book is especially devoted to my youngest child Louise Jane McLean who I still miss every single day since she passed with Cystic Fibrosis in 2011. If I conveyed just 10% of my love for her then regardless of everything else, the book is a roaring success.
October 9, 2020
A deep dive into 1980”s police force in Scotland
From rural village to serious crime in Glasgow
From village life to drug dealer hell this book is a refreshing insite to a time when herion was destroying everything around. A very personal and captivating read.
From rural village to serious crime in Glasgow
From village life to drug dealer hell this book is a refreshing insite to a time when herion was destroying everything around. A very personal and captivating read.
October 28, 2020
Well Done
If I was to choose a Police Career I think this book would be of interest. That guy Joe sounds like a real pussycat Bob sounds. Like a hard man,David was ok at football .I think I would be too Ugly for the SCS. Best wishes Simon from LORNE David will tell you .
If I was to choose a Police Career I think this book would be of interest. That guy Joe sounds like a real pussycat Bob sounds. Like a hard man,David was ok at football .I think I would be too Ugly for the SCS. Best wishes Simon from LORNE David will tell you .
March 30, 2021
Really good book detailing his life as a police officer off and on duty. Perfect if you want to understand who a police is as a person as much as an LEO.
He doesn't hold back and does criticise the police and the system.
He doesn't hold back and does criticise the police and the system.
November 21, 2021
Well !maybe it happened that way
Saw Simon on a tv show looked up this book he mentioned, found I knew a lot of what was in the book including Islay escapades lol, I really enjoyed the book and loved reading about Simon's family
Saw Simon on a tv show looked up this book he mentioned, found I knew a lot of what was in the book including Islay escapades lol, I really enjoyed the book and loved reading about Simon's family
June 4, 2021
My pal who knows the author sent this around the world to me. I really enjoyed this. Great stories and experiences to show a life well lived.
September 23, 2021
Fantastic narration and voice that pulls the reader along for a fun read. A great non-fiction book that reads as engaging fiction.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews