Abuse of Power

This is a story about a courageous female police officer and her struggle to make a living and to do a good job. The problems she encounters in her work make for a plot that can keep you on the edge of your seat -- and just about the time you think you have it all figured out -- well, you get surprised.As I mentioned in the title, I have never done police work, but something about this book rang true to me. I don't doubt for a minute that things like this go on. I used to be a school teacher (and in some districts, that's like being a policewoman) and I can recognize the writings of people who have "been there, done that" and those who don't know the first thing about it.This was the first book I read by Nancy Taylor Rosenberg. I think Ms. Rosenberg did a great job.

I really enjoyed NTR's 'Abuse of Power". Rachael Simmons stands for what all good cops should, honesty, integrity, and truth. When Rachael is thrown in with some truly rogue cops, it really become a novel of what's right and what's wrong. Rachael never compromises her principles, even when her life at the police department becomes a total nightmare. Interesting and intreging, and just when you thought the novel was winding down, it escalates.

"Abuse of Power" by Nancy Taylor Rosenberg, NTR is in some ways typical NTR, intriguing and yet quite readable. Her first book, MC, was like a finely aged, and full-bodied wine that left you with a taste for more. Alas this lastest book is more like a light bodied white wine that was sure to temporarily relieve any NTR fix that one may have, and I must say that I got mine. Perhaps what we as fans could do is let NTR know how much we appreciate her style and type of writing so that we can all can benefit from her next book. Yes NTR could probably do better, and I do understand the pressure of having to write a new novel that meets not only her expectations, but that of publisher and fans alike. Even in paperback form her previous works were over 300 pages of intensely intriguing magnificences. Please NTR do not think you have reached your pinnacle with Mitigating Circumstances, Interest of Justice, Frist Ofense, California Angel, and Trial by Fire!! If you love NTR's work you will love Abuse of Power even though it is a very short read. As a devoted NTR fan I look forward to a more challenging read (number of pages and intensity of artsmanship) with her next novel. Thanks for the "fix" NTR. You still have it, so don't sell yourself short. B. L. Mayberry, Manhattan KS

I found this to be an eye opening book. I wonder how many Police Departments have these kind of cops on duty on a daily basis. It's kind of scary to think that this kind of corruption exists among those that are supposed to enforce the laws and not break them. Police officer above the law? I hope not. I certainly wasn't ready for the ending, however. I guess that's why Ms. Rosenberg is writing these books and not me?!

Many police officers, especially those that work the street, respect the code of silence concerning fellow officers. It is the first commandment that thou shalt not fink on a fellow officer regardless of what terrible crime he has committed or how far over the legal line he may have crossed. Breaking the covenant brings terrible repercussions to the reporting officer. This "punishment" ranges from ostracism to making the whistle blower seem like a liar to outright refusal to back up the officer in a dangerous situation. ....Thirty-four years old Rachel Simmons is a widow with two children and numerous financial problems. She is well aware of the sacred conduct code after being a member of the Hudson Valley, California police department for three years. Rachel remains a rarity on the force, being an honest and honorable cop. When she sees a fellow officer use a juvenile as a human shield during a minor riot, she feels compelled to report it. That decision of conscience carries a heavy price, one that Rachel, her family, and the entire police force will have to pay. ....Once again Nancy Taylor Rosenberg creates a powerful police and legal thriller that is a gritty indictment of the juridical system as only an insider can tell it. Readers will feel the betrayal that results from the realization that the very people who are sworn to uphold the law are its biggest offenders. ABUSE OF POWER is a gripping, taut, and moving work that showcases a protagonist who is willing to venture into hell to do the morally correct thing in a system that encourages immorality. Rachel is Ms. Rosenberg's finest heroine to date, a shining example of what the human race should strive to be. A sure fire hit that deserves both bestseller status and award consideration. ....Harriet Klausner