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Top 14 Joseph Wambaugh Books |
Looking for your next great read? Look no further than Joseph Wambaugh's collection of books. This acclaimed author brings a unique perspective to the world of crime fiction, tackling issues of law enforcement and society. In this article, we will round up some of his must-read novels, delving into the heart of Wambaugh's storytelling and exploring why these novels continue to captivate audiences.
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A Novel
Hollywood Station is a riveting novel that takes readers deep into the high-stakes world of Los Angeles' Hollywood Division. Written by celebrated author Joseph Wambaugh, this captivating story follows a dedicated team of seasoned and inexperienced cops as they navigate the precarious landscape of a city that's both glamorous and dangerous.
As they patrol the bustling streets of Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards, the officer's lives are constantly at risk—not just from the ruthless criminals they encounter, but also from the overwrought, desperate, and deluded individuals they are sworn to protect.
When the robbery of a Hollywood jewelry store escalates into a deadly conflict involving a Russian nightclub, an undercover operation gone terribly wrong, and a cluelessly ambitious pair of criminals, the stakes couldn't be higher. It's up to the sergeant referred to as the Oracle and his determined squad of street cops to unravel the mystery and keep Hollywood Division safe.
Throughout their tumultuous journey, readers will come to know each officer's unique blend of fearlessness and fragility. Budgie Polk, a fiery twenty-something with a young daughter to provide for, brings passion and commitment to the force. Wesley Drubb, a wealthy recruit seeking thrills, discovers the harsh realities of a cop's life. Fausto Gamboa, a tetchy veteran, offers vital experience and knowledge. And Hollywood Nate, an ever-enthusiastic movie buff, keeps things from getting too heavy.
Hollywood Station doesn't just showcase the grit and intensity of life on Hollywood's streets—it also illuminates the complexities and consequences of seeking justice in a city where the dividing lines between glamour and disaster are only a street away.
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Authors: Joseph Wambaugh
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Publisher: Little, Brown
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Published Date: November 26, 2006
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Page Count: 432
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Print Type: BOOK
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Categories: Fiction
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Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
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Language: en
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Immerse yourself in the gripping and heart-wrenching story of "The Onion Field" by Joseph Wambaugh. This thrilling narrative centers around the devastating consequences for two young police officers and two unsuspecting robbers whose lives become inextricably intertwined in one fateful and desolate night in the heart of Los Angeles. Follow the captivating journey of these individuals as their separate destinies collide in a tale of psychological and physical turmoil.
Recognized as an ambitious and captivating account, "The Onion Field" distinguishes itself among other true crime narratives, earning praise from illustrious authors such as Truman Capote. This haunting and unforgettable tale has captured the attention and admiration of readers and critics alike, securing its place as a New York Times Bestseller.
Don't let this opportunity slip by to dive into the chilling pages of "The Onion Field" and discover the harrowing truth of one unforgettable night in Los Angeles.
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Authors: Joseph Wambaugh
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Publisher: Delta
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Published Date: August 28, 2007
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Page Count: 514
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Print Type: BOOK
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Categories: True Crime
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Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
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Language: en
A Novel
In "Hollywood Crows, " Joseph Wambaugh masterfully weaves a tale of crime, comedy, and catastrophe, taking readers on a thrilling journey with his unforgettable cast of characters. As LAPD officers Hollywood Nate and Bix Rumstead navigate the dark underbelly of Hollywood, their lives become intertwined with Margot Aziz—a beautiful socialite with a hidden agenda.
What starts as a fun diversion quickly transforms into a deadly game of cat and mouse, as the duo discovers that not everything is as it seems in this city of glamour and deception. "Hollywood Crows" is a page-turning mystery, filled with suspense and intrigue, and a reminder that beneath the glittery facade of Hollywood hides a world of danger and deceit.
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Authors: Joseph Wambaugh
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Publisher: Little, Brown
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Published Date: March 25, 2008
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Page Count: 448
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Print Type: BOOK
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Categories: Fiction
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Average Rating: 1.0
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Ratings Count: 1.0
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Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
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Language: en
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Step inside the world of the LAPD, where fledgling officers learn to navigate the tumultuous streets and the dangerous game of life or death in Joseph Wambaugh's chilling debut novel, "The New Centurions". This gripping tale introduces us to Augustus Plebesly, Roy Fehler, and Serge Duran, three fresh-faced recruits in a class of new centurions, ready to don the blue uniform of the Los Angeles Police Department. As they embark on their journey, they'll quickly realize the harsh reality that cops are indeed different from everyone else.
Wambaugh masterfully captures the raw, unforgiving world of the police force in 1960, a time when the streets are on fire with rage. These men must grow up fast, learning how to interpret the mad babble of car radios and sniff out danger, all while hiding their secrets and understanding that life is precious. Time is their enemy, and they must fight for their lives throughout the pages of this unforgettable tale.
Experience the unflinching grit of Los Angeles' finest in this New York Times bestselling classic that has stood the test of time. Get ready to step behind the thin blue line and into the world of the New Centurions with Joseph Wambaugh's hauntingly powerful masterpiece.
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Authors: Joseph Wambaugh
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Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
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Published Date: April 01, 2008
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Page Count: 390
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Print Type: BOOK
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Categories: Fiction
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Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
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Language: en
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In "The Blue Knight, " ex-cop and New York Times bestselling author, Joseph Wambaugh, draws you into the thrilling world of street cop William "Bumper" Morgan. With a remarkable twenty-year career and just two days left before his retirement, Bumper faces the most difficult beat of his life, as L. A. 's city is terrorized by a ruthless thief and a looming tragedy. As the story unfolds, Wambaugh weaves a gritty, luminous, and stunning epic filled with intricate layers of respect and fear, ultimately exposing the demons that lie beneath Bumper's brave and shiny exterior.
With an enigmatic blend of suspense, drama, and an unforgettable protagonist, "The Blue Knight" promises a captivating ride for any fan of thrilling police procedures and high-quality fiction.
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Authors: Joseph Wambaugh
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Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
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Published Date: April 01, 2008
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Page Count: 251
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Print Type: BOOK
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Categories: Fiction
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Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
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Language: en
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A Novel
In "The Choirboys, " Joseph Wambaugh delivers an unnerving exploration of camaraderie, darkness, and the unspoken horrors of the nightshifts in the Los Angeles Police Department. The novel delves into the tumultuous lives of the choirboys, who bond through shared predawn drinking and sexual encounters, calling their secret sessions a chaotic and chilling "choir practice. " As Wambaugh masterfully weaves together chilling narratives, the authenticity of the storytelling shines as the characters confront their deepest fears, regrets, and demons. "The Choirboys" is a thrilling and disturbing tale that leaves readers questioning the boundaries of friendship, loyalty, and law enforcement—making it the author's most unforgettable work yet.
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Authors: Joseph Wambaugh
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Publisher: Delta
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Published Date: November 26, 2008
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Page Count: 418
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Print Type: BOOK
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Categories: Fiction
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Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
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Language: en
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A Novel
In Joseph Wambaugh's novel Hollywood Hills, the opulent streets of Hollywood are filled with the glamour and greed of the rich and famous. LAPD veteran "Hollywood Nate" Weiss is thrust into this world when he becomes a pawn in an elaborate art heist orchestrated by the charming and cunning Nigel Wickland.
As Nate and his partners try to keep the mansion's valuables safe, they find themselves navigating a web of lies and deceit, all while a dangerous group of teenage burglars continues to wreak havoc on the hillside neighborhood. With witty humor and pulse-pounding action, Hollywood Hills is a roller coaster ride through the dark underbelly of Hollywood, where everyone's dreams may just be within reach - if they're willing to pay the price.
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Authors: Joseph Wambaugh
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Publisher: Little, Brown
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Published Date: November 16, 2010
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Page Count: 448
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Print Type: BOOK
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Categories: Fiction
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Average Rating: 4.5
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Ratings Count: 2.0
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Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
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Language: en
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"Finnegan's Week" is a riveting, darkly funny adventure featuring Fin Finnegan, a midlife-crisis-stricken San Diego police detective with aspirations of stardom. Set against a backdrop of toxic chaos, Fin must navigate a bizarre web of death and mystery, all while teaming up with Nell Salter, a sharp-witted female investigator, and a US Navy colleague with an insatiable curiosity.
The New York Times Book Review praised Joseph Wambaugh's thrilling novel as a "joy" with "laugh-out-loud moments, " while Entertainment Weekly commended its "masterfully crafted pacing" and "deadly serious undertones. " "Finnegan's Week" is a page-turning fusion of suspense, wit, and the unpredictable nature of danger, boasting 273 heart-stopping pages. Will Fin be able to crack the case before it consumes him?
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Authors: Joseph Wambaugh
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Publisher: Overamstel Uitgevers
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Published Date: November 29, 2011
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Page Count: 273
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Print Type: BOOK
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Categories: Fiction
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Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
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Language: en
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A Novel
"The Secrets of Harry Bright" by Joseph Wambaugh is an exhilarating and unpredictable tale that masterfully weaves together a diverse cast of characters. The novel follows Los Angeles Police Department homicide detective Sidney Blackpool on his quest to uncover the truth behind the mysterious death of the late Jack Watson.
As the story unfolds, we're taken on a rollercoaster journey through the steamy landscape of the California desert, where we encounter characters as varied and intriguing as the terrain itself. This is no ordinary murder investigation; it's an odyssey that threatens to dismantle an entire police department and dredges up a maelstrom of long-buried secrets.
Wambaugh's writing is peppered with his signature dark humor, creating an intriguing blend of bawdy and beautiful prose that keeps readers on their toes. Each chapter is filled with unexpected twists and turns, leaving us guessing until the very end.
In "The Secrets of Harry Bright, " the suspense is palpable from start to finish. This novel is more than just a mystery - it's a profound exploration of the darker side of the human condition, set against the backdrop of a serene desert landscape. This riveting thriller will keep you captivated from the first page to the last.
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Authors: Joseph Wambaugh
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Publisher: Bantam
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Published Date: August 14, 2013
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Page Count: 352
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Print Type: BOOK
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Categories: Fiction
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Average Rating: 5.0
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Ratings Count: 1.0
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Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
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Language: en
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Discover the chilling details of the Main Line Murder Case in Joseph Wambaugh's "Echoes in the Darkness. " This gripping true crime novel follows the seven-year investigation of schoolteacher Susan Reinert's murder, which shook a seemingly quiet suburban town near Philadelphia. Wambaugh masterfully reconstructs the case, delving into the lives of the principal, Dr.
Jay C. Smith, and the charismatic English teacher, William Bradfield. Explore the tangled web of lies and deceit that led to Reinert's demise, as the two men are revealed to be inextricably connected.
With its engrossing narrative and insider look into the FBI and state police investigation, "Echoes in the Darkness" is a captivating true crime tale that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
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Authors: Joseph Wambaugh
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Publisher: Bantam
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Published Date: August 28, 2013
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Page Count: 416
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Print Type: BOOK
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Categories: True Crime
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Average Rating: 4.0
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Ratings Count: 1.0
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Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
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Language: en
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11. The Blooding
The Dramatic True Story of the First Murder Case Solved by Genetic "Fingerprinting"
In the thrilling narrative of "The Blooding, " author Joseph Wambaugh delves into the dramatic true story of the first murder case solved using genetic "fingerprinting. " Unraveling the twisted tale of two teenage girls brutally murdered in 1960s England, Wambaugh takes readers on an unforgettable journey as investigators race against time to solve the heinous crimes.
When the lifeless body of fifteen-year-old Lynda Mann is discovered near the English village of Narborough, a desperate hunt begins for her killer. Despite a massive police operation involving 150 officers, the investigation stagnates. The killer, however, remains uncaught and strikes again, leaving a trail of chilling terror.
As the author meticulously reconstructs the harrowing events, he introduces the groundbreaking scientific advancement of genetic "fingerprinting" – an innovative technique that finally offers hope for closure. With more than four thousand men tested in the largest manhunt in British crime history, this unrelenting pursuit ultimately leads to the capture of the killer.
Throughout "The Blooding, " readers are drawn into an intricate and suspenseful web of crime, investigation, and justice, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the relentless pursuit of truth. This powerful story, one of the first of its kind, stands as a gripping reminder of the importance of forensic science and the perseverance of those who seek to bring justice to those in need.
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Authors: Joseph Wambaugh
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Publisher: Bantam
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Published Date: April 20, 2016
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Page Count: 428
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Print Type: BOOK
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Categories: Social Science
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Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
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Language: en
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Lines and Shadows is a gripping true crime tale by award-winning author Joseph Wambaugh. This book follows the harrowing journey of a dedicated squad of police officers, known as the Border Crime Task Force. Their mission: to patrol the dangerous no-man's-land south of San Diego, where they face ruthless bandits preying on defenseless migrants. The officers must walk a fine line between maintaining their sanity and fighting to protect innocent lives.
This thrilling story takes readers into the shadows and reveals the fragility of the human condition. Lines and Shadows has been praised for its captivating storytelling, intense action, and unflinching portrayal of the inner lives of those who risk everything to keep us safe. A must-read for fans of true crime and gritty police dramas.
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Authors: Joseph Wambaugh
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Publisher: Bantam
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Published Date: April 20, 2016
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Page Count: 416
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Print Type: BOOK
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Categories: True Crime
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Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
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Language: en
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13. Floaters
A Novel
Floaters is an exhilarating tale by New York Times bestselling author Joseph Wambaugh, featuring the daring and humorous adventures of two harbor cops on the shores of San Diego. Fortney and Leeds relish their time patrolling the waters of Mission Bay, assisting boats in distress, and scoping out sunbathing beauties. However, the America's Cup regattas bring a new wave of excitement, as the city swarms with sailors, schemers, spies, and saboteurs, along with the saucy and alluring cuppies looking for love.
When their instincts are sparked by the enigmatic Blaze, a promiscuous cuppie, Fortney and Leeds become entangled in a bizarre criminal investigation. As the sailing race nears, they find themselves attempting to solve two murders while juggling the chaos that ensues from their newfound reputation.
Floaters showcases Wambaugh's mastery of storytelling, blending his signature wit and sardonic humor with a thrilling police procedural. Readers will be captivated by the intricate web of secrets and intrigue that unfolds in the sunny shores of California. This suspenseful and entertaining novel is an unforgettable read, making it a must-have for fans of the genre.
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Authors: Joseph Wambaugh
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Publisher: Bantam
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Published Date: April 20, 2016
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Page Count: 304
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Print Type: BOOK
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Categories: Fiction
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Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
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Language: en
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14. Fire Lover
A True Story
Fire Lover: A True Story is a riveting account of the search for the most prolific American arsonist of the twentieth century. Award-winning author Joseph Wambaugh, known for his bestselling novels like The Onion Field and The Choirboys, weaves an extraordinary tale of one ambitious firefighter's relentless pursuit. Set in Los Angeles, the story follows the life of John Orr, a dedicated fire captain who rose to become Southern California's top arson investigator.
However, Orr harbored a secret life of womanizing and insatiable thirst for recognition. Despite his success in catching many petty arsonists, he remained haunted by one elusive criminal—the "Pillow Pyro, " responsible for devastating property damage and the loss of four innocent lives.
Wambaugh, with his signature meticulous research and interviews, delves deep into the world of law enforcement and the culture of firefighters. His portrayal of the intertwined lives of firefighters and criminals is unparalleled, as he offers audiences no speculation, just hard-earned details.
Fire Lover is a testament to Wambaugh's ability to craft compelling true crime stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Prepare to be captivated by the extraordinary hunt for a notorious arsonist in this Edgar Award-winning masterpiece.
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Authors: Joseph Wambaugh
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Publisher: Open Road Media
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Published Date: October 18, 2016
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Page Count: 337
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Print Type: BOOK
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Categories: True Crime
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Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
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Language: en