Description

Book Synopsis

'Undercover, you're never just acting; you're only ever a different version of yourself.'

Neil Woods spent fourteen years (1993-2007) infiltrating drug gangs as an undercover policeman, befriending and gaining the trust of some of the most violent, unpredictable criminals in Britain. But Neil was never your stereotypical gung-ho, tough-guy copper. This is the story of how a thoughtful, idealistic character learned to use his empathetic nature to master some of the roughest, most dangerous work in law enforcement. There was no training, no manual and no plan for when things went wrong; he was just dropped at a corner and told to make connections. But, inevitably, having swords thrust against his jugular, witnessing beatings, stabbings, and gangsters burning suspected rats with acid took its toll.

Drawing on Neil’s experiences, with the insight that can only come from having fought on the front lines, GOOD COP, BAD WAR is at once a narrative-driven true crime read and a fascinating story of a character under pressure.



Trade Review
This is the best book ever written about the British war on drugs. -- Johann Hari
Gripping exposé of the disastrous reality of the drug war -- Decca Aitkenhead * Guardian *

Good Cop, Bad War

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    A Paperback / softback by Neil Woods

    £13.49

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    RRP £14.99 – you save £1.50 (10%)

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Wed 7 Oct 2026.

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      Book details

      Publisher Penguin Random House Group
      Imprint Ebury Press
      Published 9 March 2017
      ISBN-13 9781785032707
      978-1785032707
      ISBN-10 1785032704
      Also in:
      Biography True crime True stories / true accounts of events Politics, Philosophy & Society Drugs trade / drug trafficking

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      'Undercover, you're never just acting; you're only ever a different version of yourself.'

      Neil Woods spent fourteen years (1993-2007) infiltrating drug gangs as an undercover policeman, befriending and gaining the trust of some of the most violent, unpredictable criminals in Britain. But Neil was never your stereotypical gung-ho, tough-guy copper. This is the story of how a thoughtful, idealistic character learned to use his empathetic nature to master some of the roughest, most dangerous work in law enforcement. There was no training, no manual and no plan for when things went wrong; he was just dropped at a corner and told to make connections. But, inevitably, having swords thrust against his jugular, witnessing beatings, stabbings, and gangsters burning suspected rats with acid took its toll.

      Drawing on Neil’s experiences, with the insight that can only come from having fought on the front lines, GOOD COP, BAD WAR is at once a narrative-driven true crime read and a fascinating story of a character under pressure.



      Trade Review
      This is the best book ever written about the British war on drugs. -- Johann Hari
      Gripping exposé of the disastrous reality of the drug war -- Decca Aitkenhead * Guardian *

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