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Police Stories: Compelling True Stories from the Frontline of Australia's Police
From the bizarre to the brutal to the unbelievable, truth is often stranger than fiction, as these fascinating stories testify. Vikki Petraitis has spent hundreds of hours interviewing police - sometimes even accompanying them on active duty - to complete this collection of stories from the frontline of policing. Police officers from many fields have shared some of their best the ones that were out of the ordinary, the ones they'll never forget. The result is this riveting collection of real-life Australian dramas. They a 'black widow' who reported her husband missing after an argument- the perilous body retrieval of a drowned diver from a sunken submarine- the capture and conviction of a man who drugged his unsuspecting victims by spiking their drinks- the disappearance of Sarah MacDiarmid. In each case the police concerned have achieved results through dedication and teamwork, and sometimes at great personal risk. We thank them for their service and understand that sometimes, the toll was too high. Vikki Petraitis is a Melbourne author who has been writing true crime since the early 1990s. Her bestselling book about Frankston serial killer Paul Denyer, The Frankston Murders, is a classic in the true crime genre.
- GenresTrue Crime
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2020
26 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 3, 2021
I need something to cleanse my mind to read after this. This is powerful stuff.
March 26, 2022
Some interesting stories
This is an ok read, nothing to make you sit up to attention. Enjoyable but not enthralling. I liked the read but have read more interesting works by the same author.
This is an ok read, nothing to make you sit up to attention. Enjoyable but not enthralling. I liked the read but have read more interesting works by the same author.
January 22, 2024
"Police Stories: Compelling True Stories from the Frontline of Australia's Police" by Vikki Petraitis left me with mixed feelings as I delved into the gritty narratives of law enforcement in Australia. While the book promises compelling true stories from the frontline, the overall experience fell somewhat short of my expectations.
One of the main drawbacks is the inconsistency in the storytelling. Some accounts are vividly detailed and emotionally resonant, offering a glimpse into the challenges faced by police officers. However, the quality of narratives varies, and there are instances where the storytelling feels disjointed, lacking the cohesive thread needed to keep readers fully engaged.
Additionally, the book often leans heavily on sensationalism. While I expected gritty realism given the subject matter, there were moments when the narratives seemed to prioritize shock value over depth. This approach occasionally detracted from the authenticity of the stories, making them feel more like sensationalized anecdotes rather than genuine glimpses into the daily lives of police officers.
Furthermore, the book lacks a consistent overarching theme or structure. The stories seem disconnected, leaving me searching for a unifying thread that would provide a more cohesive reading experience. The lack of a clear organization or thematic progression makes it challenging to fully immerse oneself in the collective journey of the police officers presented in the book.
On a more personal note, I found the writing style to be serviceable but not particularly captivating. While the book touches on the highs and lows of policing, the prose lacks the nuance and depth that could have elevated the storytelling to a more compelling level.
In conclusion, "Police Stories" by Vikki Petraitis falls into the realm of true crime literature that may not resonate with every reader. While there are moments of genuine insight into the challenges faced by Australia's police force, the inconsistent storytelling, reliance on sensationalism, and lack of a cohesive structure make it a somewhat underwhelming exploration of the frontline experiences of law enforcement officers.
One of the main drawbacks is the inconsistency in the storytelling. Some accounts are vividly detailed and emotionally resonant, offering a glimpse into the challenges faced by police officers. However, the quality of narratives varies, and there are instances where the storytelling feels disjointed, lacking the cohesive thread needed to keep readers fully engaged.
Additionally, the book often leans heavily on sensationalism. While I expected gritty realism given the subject matter, there were moments when the narratives seemed to prioritize shock value over depth. This approach occasionally detracted from the authenticity of the stories, making them feel more like sensationalized anecdotes rather than genuine glimpses into the daily lives of police officers.
Furthermore, the book lacks a consistent overarching theme or structure. The stories seem disconnected, leaving me searching for a unifying thread that would provide a more cohesive reading experience. The lack of a clear organization or thematic progression makes it challenging to fully immerse oneself in the collective journey of the police officers presented in the book.
On a more personal note, I found the writing style to be serviceable but not particularly captivating. While the book touches on the highs and lows of policing, the prose lacks the nuance and depth that could have elevated the storytelling to a more compelling level.
In conclusion, "Police Stories" by Vikki Petraitis falls into the realm of true crime literature that may not resonate with every reader. While there are moments of genuine insight into the challenges faced by Australia's police force, the inconsistent storytelling, reliance on sensationalism, and lack of a cohesive structure make it a somewhat underwhelming exploration of the frontline experiences of law enforcement officers.
December 30, 2021
Love this genre- Vikki Petraitis is an amazing story teller.
May 6, 2025
Very interesting read of crimes within Australia
May 8, 2025
I had already heard of a lot of these crimes, but it was a good book overall!
October 27, 2022
A fabulous mix of the complexities of policing - how they cope with humanity day in and day out - if beyond my comprehension
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews