Official Review: Hands Across The Sea by Brian Cook

Arabella Moore · Post by **Arabella Moore** » 21 May 2025, 00:35

Wow! It seems like you really like this book, especially based on how you describe the characters. They seem like really lively and well rounded characters. Honestly, a long book is worth it if characters are good and its dialogue are good. I will have to look into it.

Chinazo Anozie · Post by **Chinazo Anozie** » 21 May 2025, 00:42

I find books with many characters as it may be difficult to keep up with Brendan, Garrison and the rest. As a result, I may not be the best audience to enjoy Hands Across The Sea by Brian Cook. I'll be skipping this one.

Tars · Post by **Tars** » 21 May 2025, 00:43

I love this mix-gen, but even more so I like stories about determined people like Garrison Cottrell, who can single-handedly create the best Agency in the field and keeps fighting no matter what it takes. Other characters mentioned are interesting as well, as is the anomaly of "crime statistics that "dip and spike in all the wrong places"". I believe the book will be quite enjoyable, and thank you for recommending it.

Tina Atotwe · Post by **Tina Atotwe** » 21 May 2025, 00:56

This is my first book on book club and wow seems like I'll definitely be enjoying having these reads
Otherwise great book

this was so touching

Dale Jordan Dalman · Post by **Dale Jordan Dalman** » 21 May 2025, 01:08

Hands Across The Sea by Brian Cook was an eye-opening and thought-provoking read that really surprised me. It's not your typical law enforcement drama Cook digs deep into the behind the scenes realities of a sheriff’s office, revealing a world full of political maneuvering, personal ambition, and racial tension.

What stood out to me the most was how real the story felt. You can tell that Cook, being a retired lieutenant himself, knows this world inside and out. He doesn’t sugarcoat anything. Through characters like Sheriff Brendan Callaghan and Seth Alexander, you get a real sense of the pressure and complexity that comes with leadership, especially for Black officers trying to rise through the ranks in a biased system.

The story unfolds mostly through conversations, which I actually appreciated. The dialogue felt natural sometimes funny, sometimes tense and it really pulled me into the characters' minds. It made me feel like I was sitting in the room with them, hearing these honest, difficult discussions about race, power, and integrity.

If I had to point out one downside, it would be that the book leans heavily on internal politics and less on action. But honestly, that focus worked for me because it made the drama feel more personal and real.

Overall, Hands Across The Sea isn’t just a story it’s a reflection on the challenges within institutions that are supposed to protect and serve. It’s the kind of book that stays with you and makes you think, which I really value. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone interested in the human side of law enforcement or the struggle for justice from the inside out.

Post by **Celio Opati** » 21 May 2025, 01:21

Cook’s Hands Across the Sea dives deep into the internal politics and pressures of a sheriff’s department in transition. Through the first six chapters, I was drawn into the emotional weight of leadership, loyalty, and legacy. It’s a grounded, character-rich narrative that feels both authentic and unexpectedly moving.

Post by **Bethel Saint Bright** » 21 May 2025, 01:42

I was wondering why the office of the Sheriff was a laughing stock in the law enforcement community. Well, one man changed all that and we can be reading about the structured operations of the office of the Sheriff.

Maimubee · Post by **Maimubee** » 21 May 2025, 02:54

I love books that hinges on realistic lifestyle of years back and it carries humor that makes it easy to relate with. Well done Cook!

Maimubee · Post by **Maimubee** » 21 May 2025, 02:55

I love books that hinges on realistic lifestyle of years back and it carries humor that makes it easy to relate with. Well done Cook!

Krystal Sutphin · Post by **Krystal Sutphin** » 21 May 2025, 03:26

It sounds like there is a lot going on in this book. It must be longer to cover so many different people.

Janet Kimetto · Post by **Janet Kimetto** » 21 May 2025, 03:26

From what I gather, "Hands Across the Sea" by Brian Cook is a character-driven story filled with humor, drama, and action, telling the story of the Office of the Sheriff and hence giving the reader a glimpse into the lives of its law enforcement officers. Thanks for the review!

Post by **Soma Ezenwanne** » 21 May 2025, 03:27

"Hands Across The Sea" by Brian Cook sounds like an amazing story about leadership and change, and I’m interested in learning how Garrison Cottrell turned things around and helped others to grow.

LORDSHIP ALEX · Post by **LORDSHIP ALEX** » 21 May 2025, 03:30

Wonderful! More than anything, this book is about friendship and the connections we share that mean everything to us. Everyone has their own challenges and a crime to prevent. It offers a new look at police—that they are human too!

Post by **Amy_Jackson** » 21 May 2025, 03:39

The workplace can be tense when everyone is pursuing their own agenda at the detriment of others, rather than work together to achieve the goal of the organisation. I do hope that Cottrell eventually found the healing he sought.

Wayne Otieno · Post by **Wayne Otieno** » 21 May 2025, 03:41

This book captures the essence of leadership with all its ensuing struggles and power intricacies in a singular narrative while capturing the life of an officer on duty, showcasing how conflicting principles and personal matters intertwine in a cutthroat setting. It is written with dialogue as the anchor. It captures all kinds of characters, from deputies to commanders, along with their goals and profound conflicts framed by motives. It also explores friendship, family, and covert office power struggles, ensuring it is captivating not just in the law enforcement setting.