The Force

by Don Winslow
The Force cover
Good Books rating 4.12
Crime
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  • ID: 6191
  • Added: 2025-11-05
  • Updated: 2025-12-13
  • ISBN: 9780008227500
  • Publisher: HarperCollins
  • Published: 2017-06-22
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

The Force is a cinematic epic that delivers the same powerful and unforgettable impact as The Wire. This novel is not just a thriller; it's a deep dive into the complexities of law enforcement, offering a raw and unflinching look at the lives of those who serve and protect. It's a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, with twists and turns that are as explosive as they are unexpected. /n/n From the New York Times bestselling author of The Cartel, The Force is a masterclass in crime fiction. It's a novel that has won the Ian Fleming Steel Dagger Award for Best Thriller of the Year, a testament to its gripping narrative and unforgettable characters. If you're a fan of intense, action-packed stories that delve into the darker side of society, this is a must-read.

Reviews
Writing in Obscurity · 2020-12-18
haunting 4.00

The Force is a post-mortem character study of a corrupt cop's career, exploring the decisions that led to his downfall.

The reviewer from Writing in Obscurity sees The Force as a post-mortem character study of a corrupt cop's career. They delve into the decisions that led to the cop's downfall, providing a raw and unfiltered portrayal of his journey. The reviewer appreciates the complex and nuanced character development, making it a haunting and powerful read. The writing is top-notch, and the story is both gripping and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    At the end of the day, what 'The Force' is a story is a post-mortem character study of a corrupt cop's career.

    The decisions that led to that downfall.

    The Force is gripping and, in Mr. Winslow's magisterial and raw deployment of vernacular, often unquotable.

bookreporter.com · Unknown · 2018-03-13
excellent 4.00

The Force is a gripping and intense thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The story's fast-paced action and complex characters make it a compelling read, though some may find the plot a bit convoluted.

The Force is a thrilling ride that combines intense action with a complex narrative. The story's pacing is excellent, drawing readers in and keeping them engaged throughout. The characters are well-developed, adding depth to the plot. However, the plot can be a bit convoluted at times, which might be a challenge for some readers. Overall, it's a gripping read that fans of thrillers will enjoy. The book's exploration of themes like power and corruption adds an extra layer of intrigue, making it a thought-provoking read as well. The author's writing style is engaging, and the dialogue is sharp, adding to the overall enjoyment of the book.

Quick quotes

    The Force is a gripping and intense thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

    The story's fast-paced action and complex characters make it a compelling read.

    The book's exploration of themes like power and corruption adds an extra layer of intrigue.

johnthelibrarian.com · Unknown · 2017-07-03
brilliant 4.50

The Force by Don Winslow is a gripping and immersive novel that delves into the corrupt world of the NYPD, offering a deep character study and a thrilling narrative. The book's realistic portrayal of police corruption and social issues is compelling, though the ending feels somewhat contrived and unrealistic.

The Force by Don Winslow is a novel that has been highly recommended by many, and it lives up to the hype. The story revolves around Denny Malone, a corrupt but complex cop in the NYPD, and his team, known as 'Da Force'. The novel is a deep dive into the gritty and corrupt world of the police, where the lines between good and bad are often blurred. Winslow's extensive research and vivid writing make the characters and their world feel incredibly real and immersive. The book is a powerful social commentary on issues like racism, economic inequality, and the relationship between the police and the communities they serve. The narrative structure, using flashbacks, effectively balances character development and suspense. However, the ending feels somewhat unrealistic and neatly resolved, which detracts from the otherwise brilliant and unflinching portrayal of the corrupt world. Despite this, the final section of the novel contains some of the most powerful and beautiful writing, making it a masterpiece that is essential reading for understanding contemporary social issues.

Quick quotes

    Rarely have I read a book that involves me so deeply in the characters, that embeds me so completely in their world.

    This is a world of deep corruption, every man for himself, where even good cops get twisted.

    The problem for me — the single thing that detracts from the complete success of this novel — is the ending, from the last major plot twist through the last page.

npr.org · Unknown · 2017-06-24
subversive 4.00

The Force by Don Winslow is a subversive cop novel that delves into the corrupt world of an elite New York police unit. The protagonist, Denny Malone, is a deeply flawed anti-hero whose actions and the system he operates within are portrayed in a very unflattering light.

Don Winslow's 'The Force' is a gripping and subversive novel that takes readers into the heart of a corrupt New York police unit. The story revolves around Denny Malone, a detective whose moral compass is as skewed as the system he works within. Malone's actions, driven by greed and a love for the thrill of the chase, paint a bleak picture of law enforcement. The novel is set against the backdrop of a city on edge, with tensions high following the shooting of an unarmed black teenager by a white cop. Winslow's mastery of the material makes the novel compulsively readable, offering a unique perspective on police procedurals that is both timely and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    The only way I like to see cops given flowers is in a flower pot from a high window.

    You need the money, the cash flow, but it’s more than that, admit it. You love the game. The thrill, the taking off the bad guys, even the danger, the idea that you might get caught.

    For all the lip service Winslow pays to the boys in blue, make no mistake 'The Force' paints the police in a very unflattering light.

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