Pre-publication reviews

Snippets from people who were kind enough to review ‘Mastering the Wolf’ prior to print.

“Colin’s reflections on life as a police officer in West Yorkshire during and after the miners’ strike tells a little known story of community tensions and dealing with trouble as a police officer in areas with a heritage of dislike and distrust of the police. There the local officers were left to pick up the pieces left by the officers from the Metropolitan Police, Merseyside and Greater Manchester who had been drafted in to back up the local force. A fascinating and enthralling read.”

Kevin Hurley – Former Senior Police Officer, Army Officer and International Policing Consultant to governments in conflict zones.

“Policing can be addictive, not just for Police Officers performing the special privilege of the office of Constable; our television screens are littered with policing documentaries and factionary adventures every day. Whilst it can be an exciting, adrenaline fuelled experience; Officers face some of the worst aspects of humanity and it would be incomprehensible to believe that does not impact upon them and their loved ones. The caring and compassionate side of Policing is well represented by Colin’s writing. The calling to help others is a significant motivation for people entering the Service. That and dedication keeps special people turning up for duty whatever the weather! Mastering the Wolf has it all, nothing is left out.”

Adam Briggs – Deputy Chief Constable (Retired)

“Experience can be shared and in business and life a good fact-based book is a way of gaining insights into how others dealt with difficult situations successfully, avoided failures, and made the most of opportunity.  It helps if the reference topic is interesting such as the army, the police, and the financial crime private sector.  Mastering the Wolf covers the experiences of one man who has covered all three, both as an individual as well as within teams, and leading people.”

Peter Taylor, Fraud Consultant – Peter Taylor Consultants Ltd

“I’ve always said that if you want to get to know a person read their memoirs. Colin Tansley does not hold back in his book ‘Mastering the Wolf’. From sharing his raw and inexperience as a young 16-year-old who joins the army to the stepping into manhood and the rising of his position in the police and beyond his career, to touching on the most intimate of in his private life, this is a book that I found hard to put down. Kudos to Colin for finding the courage to share such a moving, at times funny and insightful story.”

Mike Roberts – Making Digital Real

“Mastering the Wolf is a searingly honest account of a challenging journey through life whilst charting a career in Public Service, from a youth joining the Armed Forces through to a full and varied career in the Police Service. Colin shines a light on the safeguarding of children and adults, both in a professional capacity and in his own personal life. The book will provide the reader with a great insight into a fantastic career and outlines how Colin achieved his ambitions despite some significant adversity.”

Lisa Atkinson- Retired Detective Chief Superintendent

“Balancing personal and family life which had its challenges yet staying focussed on the job took tenacity, courage, grit and dedication.  I am sure like me at times you will find yourself sitting on the edge of your seat like you were on the film set of an action thriller.  It reinforced my knowledge about people and the impact they can have on the physical, mental, and emotional health of others and not even be aware of it.  That we like Colin, never know what is around the corner. It was evident how those in our service sector step up and face danger, sometimes on a daily basis is something we may well at times be oblivious to.  Gratitude to Colin for his service to the communities in which he served.”

Caroline Purvey – Principal CEO, TRE-UK (Total Release Experience).

“This is undoubtedly one of the truest and most candid accounts of what it means to provide service. If you strip back modern technology and our fast-paced lives, what you get is our innate desire to protect our interests and provide a better future for our families. Colin demonstrates to us how hard work and goal setting helps you develop skills and experience that allow you to rise the ranks regardless of your background.”

Chris Ashford – Physical and mental wellbeing coach, former Captain Royal Artillery.