Joseph Wambaugh

Joseph Wambaugh is an American writer known for his work in the crime fiction genre. He is a former LAPD detective sergeant and has written numerous novels and non-fiction books that provide a gritty and realistic portrayal of police work.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Choirboys

    Cover of 'The Choirboys' by Joseph Wambaugh

    The book is a gritty, darkly humorous novel that delves into the lives of a group of Los Angeles police officers who regularly meet in MacArthur Park after hours to decompress from the stresses of their job. These informal gatherings, known as "choir practice," serve as a backdrop for the exploration of the officers' personal and professional challenges, revealing the psychological toll that policing takes on them. The narrative weaves together various incidents, from the mundane to the tragic, painting a complex picture of the men behind the badges as they grapple with the moral ambiguities and emotional burdens of law enforcement.

    The 5794th Greatest Book of All Time

  2. 2. Echoes In The Darkness

    The True Story of a Teacher's Murder and a Town's Redemption
    Cover of 'Echoes In The Darkness' by Joseph Wambaugh

    The book delves into the chilling true crime story surrounding the 1979 murder of Susan Reinert and the mysterious disappearance of her two children in Pennsylvania. It intricately explores the investigation and legal proceedings that followed, focusing on the complex relationships and dark secrets within the Upper Merion Area High School community. The narrative weaves together the perspectives of law enforcement, educators, and suspects, revealing a web of deceit, manipulation, and betrayal that ultimately leads to shocking revelations and a gripping quest for justice.

  3. 3. The Onion Field

    Cover of 'The Onion Field' by Joseph Wambaugh

    The book is a gripping true crime narrative that delves into the harrowing events surrounding the kidnapping of two Los Angeles police officers by two small-time criminals. The story unfolds with intense drama as the officers are taken to an onion field, where a tragic and violent confrontation occurs, leading to the death of one officer. The aftermath explores the psychological and legal ramifications for the surviving officer and the perpetrators, highlighting themes of trauma, justice, and the complexities of the criminal justice system. Through meticulous detail and emotional depth, the narrative examines the profound impact of crime on all those involved.