Loose Units

By: Paul F. Verhoeven

Narrated by: Paul F. Verhoeven

Paul Verhoeven's father, John, is a cop. Well, an ex-cop. Long since retired, John spent years embroiled in some of the seediest, scariest intrigue and escapades imaginable. Paul, however, is something of an artsy, sensitive soul who can’t understand why he doesn’t have the same heroism and courage as his dad. One day, John offers Paul the chance of a lifetime: he'll spill his guts, on tape, for the first time ever, and try to get to the bottom of this difference between them. What unfolds is a goldmine of true-crime stories, showing John’s dramatic (and sometimes dodgy) experience of policing in Sydney in the 1980s. The crims, the car chases, the frequent brushes with death and violence, and the grey zone between what’s ethical and what’s effective: finally Paul gets real insight into what’s formed his father’s character. Thrilling, fascinating and often laugh-out-loud funny, Loose Units is a high-octane adventure in policing, integrity and learning what your father is really all about.©2018 Paul F. Verhoeven (P)2019 Bolinda Publishing

Critic reviews

'Paul F. Verhoeven's dry performance, with his ability to witness dark moments, makes this audiobook both compelling and hilarious ... throughout the audiobook, Verhoeven seeks to come to terms with a childhood memory of seeing one of his father's grisly crime photos ... [his] natural wit is tenacious – listeners will be with him from the start.' (AudioFile)

'... a different, personal kind of true crime, with heart – and many other organs besides.' (Readings)

'Ex-cop John Verhoeven shares details of his career with his writer son, revealing the dramatic — and sometimes dodgy — truth behind policing Sydney in the 1980s.' (The Daily Telegraph)

Gripping

Loved it. Laughed, cried and shook my head through the entire thing. Wonderful storytelling of a beautifully written story. Can't wait for the next book. Can't wait for the next podcast episode!

Great book

I really enjoyed this and actually listened to the podcast before I bought the book. The author does a great job narrating and it’s so entertaining. I wouldn’t recommend if you’re squeamish though. There are some stories that are a bit graphic and gave me pause.

Soooooo Good!!

I had to pause the podcast to listen to the audio book and I am so glad I did!!

Paul your reading is exceptional, your impression of Dunn was my fav! Now to download Electric Blue!

Keep up the great work Paul and John 💜

Best Book I've Listened to in an Age

This is a memoir, a love story, a homage to a loving father, a comedy, a drama, a reality check, a moral compass. It's everything you could want in a listen and more. I was gripped and avidly await more instalments. An expertly written tale.

Excellent, gritty account of 80's Policing in OZ

I came to this audiobook through the Loose Units Podcast, which in it's own right is a totally amusing off the cuff account of policing in the North Shore of Sydney Australia in the 80's. Having heard the natural, funny and engaging interchanges between father and son retelling these stories, the audiobook was definitely the only option to continue with the sometimes visceral experience of their tales. I can't recommend this audiobook enough and it is wonderful to hear Australian content told in such an Australian way. Congratulations Paul & John Verhoeven. You even had my teenage kids laughing in the car.