Bright, idealistic, and a touch naive, 23-year-old Bob Chambers seems launched on a successful career in the Metropolitan Police. But one day he is assigned to the importuning squad, trusted with surveillance - and more - in public toilets. The drama that unfolds shows a complex conflict of loyalties, leading from Bob's operation as agent provocateur to unsuspected discoveries about his own sexuality and the inevitable conflict with his superiors.
A Policeman recalling his thoughts on his treatment in court at the hands of an offender's lawyer.
As for the novel itself, Seabrook sought to convey "a unique insider's view on one of the most insidious aspects of policing in Britain" of the day, involving the use of agents provocateur and specialist importuning squads. This was, and is a distasteful policing practice, and Seabrook was right to use this novel to condemn the practices. These are noble intentions.
In my view, Seabrook is not a great writer, and his plot is highly dependent on concidence and convenience. It is predictable, and rather long-winded in making its points. There are few surprises for a knowledgable reader, as the various plot outcomes can be fairly easily predicted. Earnest and well-intentioned writing, determined to make its point, but hardly a gripping story.
