In 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.
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