Discover Best Lapd Books: 20 Key Titles, 2024 Updated

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Blue: The LAPD and the Battle to Redeem American Policing

by Joe Domanick

Blue: The LAPD and the Battle to Redeem American Policing by Joe Domanick is a gripping account of the tumultuous history of the Los Angeles Police Department, exploring its transformation from a corrupt and brutal force to a model of progressive law enforcement. Domanick delves into the department’s dark past, examining the infamous scandals and controversies that have plagued the LAPD over the years. With meticulous research and compelling storytelling, the author sheds light on the internal struggles, political power plays, and community activism that have shaped the LAPD’s evolution. This book about the LAPD offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking look at the challenges and triumphs of police reform, making it an essential read for anyone interested in the complex dynamics of American policing.

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Ghettoside: A True Story of Murder in America

by Jill Leovy

Ghettoside: A True Story of Murder in America by Jill Leovy is a riveting book about the Los Angeles Police Department and the challenges they face in solving murders in the city’s most dangerous neighborhoods. Leovy, a seasoned journalist, provides a gripping and thought-provoking account of the murder investigation of a young black man in South Los Angeles and the dedicated detectives who work tirelessly to bring the perpetrator to justice. Through her immersive storytelling, she sheds light on the complexities of the criminal justice system and the impact of violence on the community. This eye-opening book about LAPD is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the realities of policing in America’s most crime-ridden areas.

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The Onion Field

by Joseph Wambaugh

The Onion Field by Joseph Wambaugh is a gripping true crime novel that delves into the harrowing tale of two LAPD officers who are ambushed during a routine traffic stop. Wambaugh, a former police officer himself, masterfully weaves a narrative that explores the psychological impact of the event on the officers involved, as well as the ensuing trial and its effect on the entire LAPD community. This book about the LAPD is a compelling and insightful look into the complexities of law enforcement and the human experience, offering a raw and unflinching portrayal of the challenges and sacrifices that come with serving on the force. With meticulous attention to detail and a keen understanding of the human condition, Wambaugh delivers a powerful and unforgettable account of a tragic event that forever changed the lives of those involved.

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The Black Dahlia

by James Ellroy

The Black Dahlia, written by James Ellroy, is a gripping crime novel set in 1940s Los Angeles. The story follows the investigation of the brutal murder of Elizabeth Short, a young aspiring actress whose body is found mutilated and discarded. The novel is a thrilling blend of true crime and fiction, delving into the seedy underbelly of Hollywood and the corruption within the police force. With its atmospheric noir setting and complex characters, The Black Dahlia is a riveting tale of obsession, betrayal, and the pursuit of justice. This book about LAPD will keep you on the edge of your seat as the detectives of the Los Angeles Police Department navigate the twists and turns of the case, unearthing dark secrets and facing their own personal demons. If you’re a fan of crime fiction or are looking for a compelling LAPD book, The Black Dahlia is a must-read.

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L.A. Noir: The Struggle for the Soul of America’s Most Seductive City

by John Buntin

L.A. Noir: The Struggle for the Soul of America’s Most Seductive City by John Buntin is a gripping non-fiction book that delves into the dark and intriguing history of Los Angeles. The book offers a fascinating exploration of the power struggles and corruption that plagued the city, particularly within the law enforcement agency. Buntin paints a vivid and immersive picture of the notorious LAPD, providing an in-depth look at the intricate web of crime, politics, and power that defined the city during the mid-20th century. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, the author unravels the complex relationships between the police force, the underworld, and the city’s influential figures. L.A. Noir is a captivating and insightful read that sheds light on the tumultuous and enigmatic history of Los Angeles, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the captivating world of crime and corruption.

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The Big Nowhere

by James Ellroy

The Big Nowhere is a gripping novel by James Ellroy that delves into the seedy underbelly of 1950s Los Angeles. Set against the backdrop of the Red Scare, this intense crime thriller follows three flawed and morally ambiguous characters – a Hollywood detective, a disgraced ex-cop, and an ambitious young prosecutor – as they navigate a web of corruption, violence, and political intrigue within the Los Angeles Police Department. As they each pursue their own agendas, their paths intertwine in a treacherous game of power and betrayal. With its gritty portrayal of the LAPD during a turbulent time in American history, The Big Nowhere is a must-read for fans of crime fiction and anyone interested in a riveting that explores the dark side of law enforcement and politics.

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The Night Stalker: The Life and Crimes of Richard Ramirez

by Philip Carlo

The Night Stalker: The Life and Crimes of Richard Ramirez by Philip Carlo is a chilling true crime book about the notorious serial killer who terrorized the streets of Los Angeles in the 1980s. The book delves into the twisted mind of Richard Ramirez, known as the Night Stalker, and explores the heinous crimes he committed. With in-depth research and interviews, the author provides a gripping account of Ramirez’s dark and disturbing life, as well as the relentless pursuit by law enforcement to bring him to justice. This harrowing tale offers a glimpse into the investigation and captures the fear and panic that gripped the city during his reign of terror. For those interested in true crime and the meticulous work of law enforcement, this book on LAPD is a must-read.

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The Killing Season: A Summer Inside an LAPD Homicide Division

by Miles Corwin

The Killing Season: A Summer Inside an LAPD Homicide Division by Miles Corwin provides a gripping and immersive look into the inner workings of the Los Angeles Police Department’s homicide division. Corwin takes readers on a captivating journey through the intense and often harrowing world of solving murders in one of the most notorious cities in America. Through his vivid storytelling, he provides a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the daily challenges, triumphs, and heartaches that the detectives face as they strive to bring justice to the victims and their families. This book about LAPD is a compelling and eye-opening exploration of the dedication and determination of the men and women who work tirelessly to solve some of the most complex and high-stakes cases in the city of Los Angeles.

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The Badge: True and Terrifying Crime Stories That Could Not Be Presented on TV, from the Creator and Star of Dragnet

by Jack Webb

The Badge is a gripping collection of true crime stories that offer a behind-the-scenes look at the law enforcement world. Written by Jack Webb, the creator and star of Dragnet, this book provides a raw and unfiltered portrayal of the challenges and dangers faced by the men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department. With a focus on cases that were too intense for television, The Badge delves into the gritty and terrifying realities of police work, showcasing the courage and determination of those who wear the badge. From high-stakes hostage situations to harrowing shootouts, this book offers a compelling and unflinching account of the LAPD’s most chilling cases. If you’re looking for a no-holds-barred insight into the world of law enforcement, The Badge is a must-read for any true crime enthusiast or anyone interested in the realities of police work.

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The Executioner’s Song

by Norman Mailer

The Executioner’s Song by Norman Mailer is a gripping account of the true story of Gary Gilmore, a convicted murderer who was the first person to be executed in the United States after the reinstatement of the death penalty in 1976. This Pulitzer Prize-winning book delves into Gilmore’s troubled life, his crimes, and his eventual execution. Through Mailer’s meticulous research and powerful storytelling, readers are taken on a journey through the criminal justice system, the media frenzy surrounding the case, and the complex character of Gilmore himself. The book provides a fascinating and thought-provoking look at the American criminal justice system and the impact of capital punishment. With its compelling narrative and in-depth exploration of the human psyche, The Executioner’s Song is a must-read for anyone interested in true crime or the intricacies of the justice system.

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The Blue Knight

by Joseph Wambaugh

The Blue Knight by Joseph Wambaugh is a captivating novel that offers an intimate look into the gritty world of law enforcement. Set in Los Angeles, this book follows the experiences of a young police officer as he navigates the challenges and complexities of working for the LAPD. Wambaugh’s vivid storytelling and deep understanding of police work bring the characters and their struggles to life, creating a riveting and authentic portrayal of the realities of police work. The Blue Knight is a compelling and thought-provoking read that offers a unique insight into the daily lives and inner workings of the law enforcement community.

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The Hillside Stranglers

by Darcy O’Brien

The Hillside Stranglers by Darcy O’Brien is a chilling true crime book that delves into the terrifying case of the infamous Hillside Stranglers, a pair of cousins who terrorized Los Angeles in the 1970s. O’Brien provides a detailed and gripping account of the investigation and capture of the killers, shedding light on the tireless efforts of law enforcement in bringing them to justice. This riveting book not only offers a harrowing look at the heinous crimes committed by the Hillside Stranglers, but also provides insight into the dedicated work of the police force, making it a must-read for anyone interested in true crime or the inner workings of law enforcement. It’s a captivating book about the LAPD that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

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The Big Sleep

by Raymond Chandler

The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler is a classic hard-boiled detective novel that follows private detective Philip Marlowe as he delves into a web of deceit, murder, and corruption in 1930s Los Angeles. As Marlowe navigates the seedy underbelly of the city, he uncovers a complex web of crime involving a wealthy family with dark secrets and a tangled web of lies. The novel is known for its gritty portrayal of the city and its intricate plot, as well as its iconic protagonist, Philip Marlowe. With its sharp dialogue and atmospheric descriptions, The Big Sleep is a gripping and atmospheric read that has solidified its place as a seminal book about the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the world of crime and corruption.

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The Black Echo

by Michael Connelly

The Black Echo, written by Michael Connelly, is a gripping crime novel that follows LAPD detective Harry Bosch as he investigates the death of a fellow Vietnam War veteran. The novel takes readers on a thrilling journey through the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles as Bosch uncovers a conspiracy involving drug trafficking and corruption within the police department. As Bosch delves deeper into the case, he must navigate the dangerous world of organized crime and confront his own demons from the war. The Black Echo is a tense and atmospheric thriller that offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of law enforcement and the challenges faced by those in the line of duty. If you’re looking for a compelling book about LAPD that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this is a must-read.

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The Black Ice

by Michael Connelly

The Black Ice by Michael Connelly is a gripping detective novel that follows Harry Bosch, a tenacious and complex detective with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). When Bosch finds the body of a fellow cop in a seedy motel room, he is drawn into a web of corruption and deception that leads him to the dangerous world of drug trafficking. As he delves deeper into the case, Bosch uncovers a conspiracy that reaches high into the ranks of the police force. With his job and life on the line, Bosch must navigate through a maze of lies and betrayal to unravel the truth. This heart-pounding thriller is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery, and especially for fans of police procedurals and books about the LAPD.

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The Closers

by Michael Connelly

The Closers by Michael Connelly is a gripping book about the LAPD that follows detective Harry Bosch as he returns to the force after a three-year retirement. Assigned to the Open-Unsolved Unit, Bosch and his new partner are tasked with solving cold cases, including the brutal murder of a teenage girl. As they delve into the case, they uncover shocking secrets and face the challenges of navigating the politics and bureaucracy of the Los Angeles Police Department. With Connelly’s trademark gritty and suspenseful storytelling, The Closers is a thrilling page-turner that explores the complexities of police work and the toll it takes on those who dedicate their lives to seeking justice. Whether you’re a fan of police procedurals or simply enjoy a riveting mystery, this LAPD book will keep you hooked until the very end.

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Homicide Special: A Year with the LAPD’s Elite Detective Unit

by Miles Corwin

Homicide Special: A Year with the LAPD’s Elite Detective Unit by Miles Corwin provides a gripping and immersive look into the world of the Los Angeles Police Department’s top homicide detectives. Through Corwin’s vivid storytelling, readers are taken on a journey through the high-stakes investigations, complex cases, and relentless pursuit of justice that define the work of the LAPD’s elite unit. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the human dynamics at play in these investigations, Corwin offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the inner workings of the LAPD’s most skilled detectives. This compelling book offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the inner workings of the LAPD’s most skilled detectives, making it a must-read for anyone interested in true crime, police procedurals, or the inner workings of law enforcement.

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LAPD ’53

by James Ellroy

LAPD ’53 is a gripping and gritty book about the Los Angeles Police Department in 1953, written by the master of crime fiction, James Ellroy. This meticulously researched and vividly detailed book offers a fascinating insight into the world of law enforcement in post-war Los Angeles. Ellroy’s narrative style brings to life the characters and events of the time, from the notorious crimes to the relentless pursuit of justice by the LAPD. With its raw and unflinching portrayal of the realities of police work, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of law enforcement or the darker side of Los Angeles in the 1950s. LAPD ’53 is a compelling and immersive LAPD book that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

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The Riot Within: My Journey from Rebellion to Redemption

by Rodney King

The Riot Within: My Journey from Rebellion to Redemption is a powerful memoir by Rodney King, a man whose name became synonymous with police brutality and racial tensions in the United States. King, whose brutal beating by the police sparked the infamous Los Angeles riots in 1992, shares his personal journey from rebellion to redemption in this gripping book. Through raw and honest storytelling, King provides a candid account of his tumultuous life, shedding light on the systemic injustices and racial tensions that plagued his community. The book offers a unique perspective on the LAPD and the events that led to one of the most significant civil disturbances in American history. The Riot Within is a compelling and thought-provoking read that explores themes of resilience, forgiveness, and the ongoing struggle for justice in America.

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Black Dahlia Avenger: The True Story

by Steve Hodel

Black Dahlia Avenger: The True Story by Steve Hodel is a gripping and chilling account of the notorious unsolved murder of Elizabeth Short, also known as the Black Dahlia. Hodel, a former LAPD detective, delves into the case with a meticulous and keen eye, uncovering shocking evidence and drawing connections that lead him to a startling conclusion. This book about the LAPD is not just a true crime story, but a compelling and in-depth investigation that sheds light on the inner workings of the police department and the complexities of the criminal justice system. Hodel’s expertise as a detective and his personal connection to the case make this a riveting read, as he pieces together the puzzle of one of the most infamous unsolved murders in history.