A Force Like No Other

“An often chilling series of recollections gleaned from … colleagues in Special Branch and CID, many of whom have never spoken before about the Troubles.” ~Belfast Telegraph

Colin Breen has provided a most powerful and unique insight into the world”s most dangerous job in policing in the 1970s and “80s.” ~Henry McDonald, Observer and Guardian Ireland Correspondent

“Murders, robberies, terrorism, information gathering … paramilitaries and the black, defensive humour that kept people sane are all here in abundance … Compelling, frank and often disturbing.” ~Policebeat, Magazine of the Police Federation of Northern Ireland

“If you like dark and inappropriate humour – pick up this book. Great read, very moving and funny.” ~David Feherty, columnist and broadcaster

“The RUC was a hero organisation to some and a villainous one to others … a book like this helps to separate fact from fiction and reinforces that at the heart of our history, human beings make the war and make the peace.” ~Joe Cushnan, Belfast Telegraph

“This book of real RUC insider anecdotes makes a delightful alternative to other accounts of policing the Troubles. It has, of course, the best possible sources – the cops themselves.” ~Hugh Jordan, Sunday World

“Absorbing stories from the real peacemakers of the Troubles. Humorous, sad, irreverent, but always candid.” ~Dr William Matchett, author of Secret Victory: The Intelligence War that Beat the IRA

“A series of frank accounts by men and women who served in a force that at times was stretched to breaking point, A Force Like No Other recalls the horrors of the Troubles but also some of the funnier stories of everyday life as a cop.” ~Stephen Gordon, Sunday Life

“This should be compulsory reading.” ~Former Special Forces Officer attached to the RUC

“a remarkable and valuable collection of personal reminiscences which capture for history what the brave men and women of the RUC went through to maintain law and order” ~Rt Hon Owen Paterson MP, former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

‘Fascinating and intriguing stories from inside a police force on the front line of inter-communal conflict and violence, and a reminder of the high price paid by its officers.’ ~Peter McDermott, Irish Echo