The Accidental Cop by Eve KoguceMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Powerful Exploration of Corruption and Justice...
In "The Accidental Cop" by Eve Koguce, we follow the story of Roberts Bergs, a patrolman in the Public Order Police patrol battalion, who had to make difficult choices early in his life due to his limited options. While his coursemates at the Police Academy are living in the cocoon of their parental homes, Roberts is struggling with poverty, and hunger, and trying to survive his patrol shift without getting killed by a crazed drunkard with an axe. Despite his difficult circumstances, Roberts remains passionate about arts, history, and literature, and dreams of becoming a lawyer. He believes in human dignity and freedom of choice but quickly learns that in the system run by Soviet-era ex-militia officers, who you know counts for more than your abilities, qualifications, and knowledge. Despite the corruption and lack of justice in the system, Roberts keeps climbing up the career ladder.
As the plot unfolds, the tension between those who conform to the corrupt system and those who value honesty and justice intensifies. Roberts faces increasingly difficult decisions, forcing him to choose between staying true to his principles or yielding to the ruthless system. Set in Latvia during the first post-Soviet decade, "The Accidental Cop" blends elements of noir crime and police procedural with psychological suspense, creating a dark and gritty atmosphere that keeps the readers hooked.
The author's writing style is gripping, and the characters are well-developed, with a palpable tension between Roberts and his colleagues. Through her exploration of the psychological impact of corruption and the pursuit of power on individuals, Koguce raises important questions about justice and the corrupt systems that undermine it. Thought-provoking and powerful, "The Accidental Cop" is a must-read for fans of crime fiction and anyone interested in delving into the psychological toll of corruption and the pursuit of power.
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