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Undercover: Operation Julie - The Inside Story
- Narrated by: Greg Patmore
- Length: 9 hrs and 23 mins
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Summary
Forget Breaking Bad, this is the extraordinary story of the 1970s Welsh LSD ring that supplied the world, told by a cop in deepest cover on the case.
'Life undercover was one great adrenaline rush fuelled by copious amounts of alcohol, hash, weed and some cocaine. I was off the leash.'
In the mid-1970s, at the age of 29, Stephen Bentley, a fresh-faced detective, turned himself into Steve Jackson, a dope-smoking, hard-drinking hippie. His time spent undercover with a gang making and distributing LSD helped bring down two criminal networks - but the operation also led to deep personal aftershocks felt long after the case closed.
As we get up-close-and-personal with the people who were the operators of the drug supply chain that fueled 70s counter-culture, the story becomes laden with heavy drug-taking, blurred lines between cop, criminal and friend, and creeping doubts about who Steve really is. Taking us into the unlikely setting of the rural Welsh valleys and infiltrating the gang that was responsible for about 90% of the LSD production in the UK, Steve Bentley's insider account shows what it really takes to go undercover - to befriend, to betray and to bury your sense of self.
Now in development as an 8-part TV series.
Critic reviews
'Undercover Operation Julie - The Inside Story, ' documents everyday life of undercover work as the author, Stephen Bentley, won the confidence of the gang members. Bentley tells in his book how he built a "perfect" relationship with Smiles, an important gang member. But this friendship almost undermined the whole operation.- BBC News England, October 2, 2016.
'The fascinating and extraordinary inside story from the man who was actually there.' - Rob Gittins, Screenwriter and Novelist, Writer of 'Julie' BBC Drama
What listeners say about Undercover: Operation Julie - The Inside Story
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- Jeremy Bicknell
- 13-11-20
enjoyable
Enjoyable listen apart from the technical chapters near the end. Good listen though especially ending on the conspiracy theories
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- Mrs. H. M. Ladbrook
- 05-11-18
Another brilliant book from Mr Bentley.
i loved this book! a true story of the Authors part in one of the biggest drugs bust in British history. brilliantly narrated and a thrilling book I have come to expect from Stephen Bentley. funny, sad and gripping. What more can you ask ?
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2 people found this helpful
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- Kev Heenan
- 22-07-18
Fascinating Story...
I was lucky enough to be given a promotional copy of this audiobook by the author in exchange for an honest review, so firstly, thank you Stephen.
I knew nothing of Operation Julie before this book but the author gives a informative and detailed account of his role in this undercover operation and what followed. Knowing that the narration was a first hand account of events added a real edge to the story as it unfolded.
A tale of courage, drama & emotion that I would, and already have recommended to others.
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2 people found this helpful
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- Fred Jones
- 20-02-21
A fascinating account of a famous police operation
This is a fascinating book, covering his part in Operation Julie. It does an excellent job of describing policing in the seventies, The lifestyle of an undercover policeman. Lots of great facts and stores for the period and the operation. It also covers the stress, threat and strain of this type of work resulting in the high levels of drinking, the issues with some superiors and the relationships with the criminals he was sent to watch. One of the best books of this type I have ever read. The narration is perfect I thought at times Stephen was actually the narrator.
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4 people found this helpful
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- martinlangan
- 09-09-19
Undercover Op Julie
An amazing insight into the dangers, bravery and the officers of undercover policing which hasn’t really changed since that time and hopefully never will.
Thanks for going into print Stephen enjoyed every chapter.
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2 people found this helpful
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- Ben Sutton
- 22-07-18
Passionate and thrilling
This is book is an excellent telling of life as an undercover operative, it keeps you on the edge of your seat, from start to finish.
The way it’s written brings you into the world, takes you on the story with the narrator. I have listened to may undercover books but this is by far the best.
I hope that the talents Stephen has portrayed writing this, is brought across into another book. I will be awaiting that day.
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- Dan
- 01-09-18
Really enjoyable listen!!
I have already been recommending this audiobook to friends. This is a true story recalling the authors undercover work which helped to take down one of the UK’s biggest LSD production ring. Stephen’s recollection of events and descriptive writing makes you feel like you were there. Stephen had a lot of funny sounding moments undercover, high as a kite, laughing uncontrollably, falling out of vans etc. The does also touch on several more serious topics such as depression, alcoholism, drug taking, PTSD as well as an employers responsibility to handle people with depression in the work place.
I enjoyed this very much and I am awaiting Stephen’s other books in audiobook format - I am told October/ November so not long to wait. I hope these books are as gripping as Undercover: Operation Julie. Finally, big respect to Stephen for not only this book but also the incredible undercover work described in the book! Good work!!
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2 people found this helpful
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- WombatsPooCubes
- 03-05-18
A different side to the story
The author tells a fascinating story and gives great insight to what it was like for a policeman to drop his whole life to undertake a whole new persona as an undercover agent posing as a drug dealer. If you have read or listened to tales from the criminals involved in 'Operation Julie' this will really appeal to you.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Nick
- 23-06-21
Inspiring and honest
I was given a copy of this for an honest review. It’s one of the best books I’ve had for a very long time. The true emotion from the author is plain to see and the pride is amazing. The story is like a movie and the author was a pioneer. I loved this
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2 people found this helpful
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- Debbie McLean
- 09-01-20
wow
it was a really interesting listen, I just had to finish it. looking forward to the authors other books now xxxxx
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2 people found this helpful