An Irish cop patrols the streets of New York City- sounds like a novel set in the late 19th century. But the book I’m going to introduce you to today is set a century later, when a Dublin born Irishman, Luke Waters, joins the NYPD.

This autobiography recounts Luke’s arrival in NYC as an illegal immigrant in the 1980’s, the granting of his green card through the Donnelly Visa program, and his decision to join the most famous police force in the world.

This book piqued my interest since I worked on bed pan alley (1st avenue) in NYC in the early 1990’s, when Luke Waters joined the NYPD.

I was thrilled when Simon and Schuster contacted me to host a giveaway for this newly released book.

But before I share the details of how to enter our little sweepstakes, let’s learn a little more about NYPD GREEN…..

 

 

An Irish-Born Detective’s Twenty Years

on the Mean Streets of New York

 

After spending a few years serving drinks at Manhattan bars (overstaying his visa and skirting the law along the way), Luke decided to finally see his dream through. He eventually got a US passport (with the help of the Donnelly visa program), and in August 1993 he joined the ranks of New York’s finest.

Moving swiftly from the “Pickpocket squad” to the Narcotics division and finally to Homicide, Luke served as a detective in one of the toughest places in the world, The Bronx. Here, he would see the best and the worst of what the NYPD and New York had to offer: from the heroism of fellow detectives and the utter selflessness of so many in the aftermath of 9/11, to the ravages of crack cocaine, drug warfare, gang violence, and terrorism alerts.

Throw in a hearty dose of dark Irish humor and you’ve got just another day in the life of a detective in one of the toughest (and most beloved) cities in the world.

 

The American Dream:

 

But NYPD GREEN is more than an account of NYPD life on the beat – it’s also a compelling portrait of personal success and a stirring example of the American dream at work.

Waters shows how he worked his way up the ladder, beginning as an illegal immigrant then putting in time doing grunt work as an NYPD rookie, before finally achieving his lifelong dream of becoming a homicide detective.

 

NYPD GREEN is a rollicking ride through New York City’s criminal underbelly and a no-holds-barred insider account of the NYPD like you’ve never seen it before. Throughout it all, Waters’ love for New York City and detective work shines through.

The story of an Irishman made good, of the American dream, NYPD GREEN also pays tribute to one of the hardest jobs there is.

 

About Luke Waters:

 

Now retired, Luke Waters resided in Queens and Putnam County; he is a decorated officer who received 18 medals from the New York Police Department. He received commendation from the FBI, and in 2012 was awarded the Detective of the Month award.

Luke Waters came from modest beginnings in Finglas on Dublin’s Northside, but nevertheless dreamed of becoming a detective.

He initially planned on following in his grandfather’s and brother’s footsteps by joining the Irish police force, An Garda Siochana, but in 1985, America beckoned. After some time as a barman, he enrolled in the NYPD, working his way from rookie through Narcotics before becoming a homicide detective.

Waters retired from the NYPD in 2011 and now lives in County Cavan with his wife and three children.

 

Where To Buy NYPD Green:

 

Today, January 12th, 2016 marks the U.S. release for this gritty autobiography.

The publisher, Simon & Schuster, has provided a long list of retailers where you can purchase it. Just click here for the complete list. 

 

The Prize:

 

Three lucky readers will each win a copy of Luke Water’s book “NYPD GREEN: A Memoir.”

Simon & Schuster graciously sponsored these prizes. A big thank you to them for being so generous to Irish American Mom’s readers.

 

The Giveaway:

 

To enter just leave a comment on this blog post by noon on Wednesday, January 20th, 2016. 

Any comment will do. What you write does not affect your chance of winning, but if you need inspiration for your entry why not tell us if you enjoy cop dramas and detective stories.

Three winning comments will be chosen randomly.  Remember to leave your e-mail so that I can contact you should you win.  Your e-mail won’t be published or shared, just used to contact our lucky contestants.

Winners will be announced on Wednesday January 20th, 2016, at the bottom of this blog post.

You may check out Irish American Mom’s complete terms and conditions for sweepstakes entries by clicking here.

 

Three Winners Chosen:

 

Our three lucky winners have been chosen using the Pickgiveaway Winner Plug-in for WordPress blogs.

They are …..

Kathleen Kelly

Michael Byrne

Ceceil

 

I’ll send an e-mail to notify the winners, and thanks to everyone for entering and supporting this giveaway.

And a big thank you to Simon and Schuster for sponsoring the prizes.

 

Slán agus beannacht,

(Goodbye and blessings)

 

Irish American Mom

 

A little note from Irish American Mom:  Dialogue in this book is unrestricted, realistic, on-the-beat, cop lingo, complete with true-to-life expletives.

Images published courtesy of Simon & Schuster.