For those who are turned off by Wambaugh's rather gritty, often profane novels, here's some of my favorite cops-turned-novelists who provide a Christian world view while staying true to realistic police procedure and investigative techniques.
A former Long Beach, California,
police officer of twenty-two years, Janice Cantore worked a variety of
assignments, including patrol, administration, juvenile investigations, and
training. A few years ago, she moved to southern Oregon, where Janice writes suspense novels designed to keep readers
engrossed and inspired. I loved her Pacific Coast Justice series.
F.P. Lione is actually two people
— the husband-wife team of Frank and Pam Lione. They are both
Italian-American and the offspring of New York PD detectives. Frank Lione is a veteran
of the NYPD, and Pam a former medical sonographer who now stays home with their two sons. They divide their time between New
York City and Broadheadville, Pennsylvania, in the Poconos.
Mark Mynheir is the author of the
Ray Quinn mysteries. Mynheir served 25 years as a Florida officer, including stints as a detective, SWAT team member, and undercover narcotics agent. 
While I titled this post "It Takes One to Know One," that's not completely true. Many writers, through extensive research and consultations with real cops, have written masterpieces that portray police officers realistically. When I read J. Mark Bertrand's Back on Murder, I was convinced the writer was a veteran officer. I knew he had to be an experienced Houston detective. Not so. Bertrand has never worn a badge but his Roland March series is among the most realistic detective stories I have ever read.Some day I hope to complete my own novel and join this fine group of former officers who traded in their pistols for pens. For now, I carry both.
J. Mark Bertrand's Roland March character is one of my top faves. I hope Bertrand writes more crime novels in the future, though probably not with Bethany House. Thanks for the great post!!
ReplyDeleteBethany, I hope we see something soon from Bertrand. Wonderful writer.
DeleteI really enjoyed Mark Mynheir's The Night Watchman and was especially impressed by his character Ray Quinn. As the daughter of a former police officer it was interesting to have an insider's view into the mind of an officer and Mark gives his character a very realistic attitude that is all cop. I also very much appreciate the effort put in to making the cop "real" without abusing cliches or overwhelming me with the graphic tragedy police officer's face everyday. Looking forward to checking out these other authors.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing these authors names. I'm going to buy them right now.
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