If you’re fascinated by real-life crime and the dark underbelly of law enforcement, then you’ll want to dig into these gripping books on police corruption. From shocking true stories to compelling fictional accounts, these books delve into the murky world of corrupt cops and the consequences of their actions. Get ready to uncover the truth and unravel the web of deceit with our top 20 picks for the best police corruption books. These thrilling reads will keep you on the edge of your seat as you navigate the treacherous terrain of betrayal, power, and justice.
Contents
- 1 20 Best Police Corruption Books
- 2 The Force
- 3 The Whites
- 4 The Black Echo
- 5 The Power of the Dog
- 6 The Cartel
- 7 The Drop
- 8 The Black Box
- 9 The Trespasser
- 10 The Black Dahlia
- 11 The Cuckoo’s Calling
- 12 The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
- 13 The Poet
- 14 The Girl Who Played with Fire
- 15 The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest
- 16 The Drop
- 17 The Black Ice
- 18 The Girl in the Spider’s Web
- 19 Serpico
- 20 L.A. Confidential
- 21 The Brotherhoods
- 22 Final Thoughts on Best Police Corruption Books
- 23
20 Best Police Corruption Books
The Force
by Don Winslow
The Force by Don Winslow is a gritty and intense novel that delves into the world of law enforcement and the temptations of power. Set in New York City, the story follows Detective Sergeant Denny Malone as he and his elite unit navigate the dangerous streets of Manhattan. As they strive to keep the city safe, they are also drawn into the murky world of corruption, betrayal, and moral ambiguity.
This book on police corruption offers a raw and unflinching look at the thin line between justice and criminality, as well as the complex dynamics within the police force. Winslow’s vivid prose and gripping storytelling make The Force a compelling and thought-provoking read that explores the human cost of upholding the law in a city rife with crime and temptation. With its intense action, moral dilemmas, and deeply flawed characters, this book about police corruption is a must-read for fans of crime fiction and anyone interested in the complexities of law enforcement.
The Whites
by Richard Price (writing as Harry Brandt)
The Whites by Richard Price, writing as Harry Brandt, is a gripping novel that delves into the murky world of law enforcement and the toll it takes on those who serve. Set in New York City, the story follows a group of retired cops haunted by unsolved cases, or as they call them, “the whites,” the cases that got away. As they struggle with the ghosts of their past, they find themselves entangled in a web of police corruption, betrayal, and moral ambiguity. The novel explores the psychological and emotional complexities of the characters, as well as the systemic issues that plague the police force.
The Whites is a powerful and evocative exploration of the human cost of law enforcement and the relentless pursuit of justice. Price’s masterful storytelling and intricate character development make this a must-read for anyone interested in crime fiction or the inner workings of the police force. This is a book about police corruption that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
The Black Echo
by Michael Connelly
The Black Echo is a gripping crime novel by Michael Connelly that delves into the dark world of police corruption. The story follows Hieronymus “Harry” Bosch, a relentless and dedicated LAPD detective who uncovers a web of deceit and betrayal within the police force. When Bosch discovers a body in a drainpipe, it leads him to a complex and dangerous case involving a group of corrupt officers and a past that comes back to haunt him.
Connelly masterfully weaves a tale of suspense, intrigue, and moral ambiguity, as Bosch navigates the treacherous waters of police corruption while facing personal demons and moral dilemmas. The Black Echo is a gritty and realistic portrayal of the inner workings of law enforcement, shedding light on the darker side of the justice system. With its intricate plot, compelling characters, and intense action, this book about police corruption will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
The Power of the Dog
by Don Winslow
The Power of the Dog by Don Winslow is a gripping and intense novel that delves into the dark world of law enforcement corruption. Set against the backdrop of the war on drugs, the story follows a DEA agent’s relentless pursuit of a powerful and ruthless Mexican drug lord. As the agent’s investigation deepens, he uncovers a web of deceit, betrayal, and manipulation within his own organization, exposing the pervasive police corruption that taints the war on drugs. The novel presents a raw and unflinching portrayal of the moral compromises and ethical dilemmas faced by those tasked with upholding the law in the face of a powerful and insidious foe. With its intricate plot, complex characters, and unrelenting tension, The Power of the Dog is a riveting and thought-provoking book about police corruption that offers a sobering look at the blurred lines between justice and corruption.
The Cartel
by Don Winslow
The Cartel by Don Winslow is a gritty and intense novel that delves deep into the world of law enforcement and crime. Set against the backdrop of the brutal drug wars in Mexico, this gripping story follows the intertwining lives of a DEA agent and a powerful drug lord as they navigate the treacherous and corrupt landscape of the narcotics trade. With its raw and unflinching portrayal of the drug cartel’s operations and the devastating impact of their activities, this book is a compelling and eye-opening exploration of the dark underbelly of the justice system. Through its vivid and realistic depiction of the challenges and ethical dilemmas faced by law enforcement officials, The Cartel offers a thought-provoking and gripping look at the complexities of the war on drugs and the insidious nature of police corruption. If you’re looking for a riveting and intense read that exposes the harsh realities of the drug trade and its impact on society, The Cartel is a must-read for anyone interested in a compelling story about police corruption.
The Drop
by Michael Connelly
The Drop by Michael Connelly is a gripping crime novel that delves into the dark and complex world of police corruption. Set in Los Angeles, the story follows Harry Bosch, a relentless and determined detective who is faced with a case that leads him to uncover a web of deceit and betrayal within the police force. As Bosch navigates through the maze of lies and cover-ups, he must confront the harsh realities of corruption and the difficult choices it forces him to make.
With his trademark writing style, Connelly masterfully weaves together a suspenseful and thought-provoking narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The Drop is a compelling exploration of the moral dilemmas and ethical challenges that arise when confronting the pervasive issue of corruption within law enforcement. This book about police corruption is a must-read for fans of crime fiction and anyone interested in a gripping and insightful portrayal of the complexities of the justice system.
The Black Box
by Michael Connelly
The Black Box is a riveting crime novel by Michael Connelly that delves into the gritty world of police corruption. Set in Los Angeles, the story follows Detective Harry Bosch as he reopens a cold case involving a Danish journalist who was murdered during the 1992 L.A. riots. As Bosch digs deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of deceit, cover-ups, and police corruption that leads him to question the integrity of his own colleagues.
Connelly masterfully weaves a tale of suspense and intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Bosch navigates through a maze of lies and betrayal. The novel is a thrilling rollercoaster ride that exposes the dark underbelly of law enforcement and the lengths some individuals will go to protect their own interests.
With its gripping plot and well-developed characters, The Black Box is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a compelling crime thriller with a focus on police corruption.
The Trespasser
by Tana French
The Trespasser by Tana French is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complex world of law enforcement and the consequences of police corruption. The novel follows Antoinette Conway, a tough and ambitious detective who is determined to prove herself in a male-dominated police department. When she and her partner, Stephen Moran, are assigned to a seemingly routine murder case, they soon find themselves entangled in a web of lies, deceit, and office politics.
As they dig deeper into the investigation, Conway and Moran uncover disturbing evidence that suggests a cover-up within their own ranks. With tensions running high and their careers on the line, the detectives must navigate through a maze of manipulation and betrayal to unmask the truth.
The Trespasser is a masterfully crafted tale of suspense and intrigue that offers a chilling portrayal of the insidious nature of police corruption. Tana French’s skillful storytelling and vivid character development make this a must-read for fans of crime fiction and anyone interested in the complexities of law enforcement.
The Black Dahlia
by James Ellroy
The Black Dahlia by James Ellroy is a gritty and gripping crime thriller set in 1940s Los Angeles. The story follows two ambitious police officers, Bucky Bleichert and Lee Blanchard, as they investigate the brutal murder of aspiring actress Elizabeth Short, also known as the Black Dahlia. As the two detectives delve deeper into the case, they uncover a web of corruption, scandal, and secrets that lead them to the dark underbelly of Hollywood and the LAPD.
This book on police corruption is a riveting and intense read, as Ellroy masterfully weaves together a tale of murder, obsession, and betrayal. The characters are complex and flawed, and the atmosphere of post-war Los Angeles is vividly portrayed. The Black Dahlia is a dark and haunting novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end, as the mystery of the Black Dahlia unfolds amidst a backdrop of police corruption and moral decay.
The Cuckoo’s Calling
by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling)
The Cuckoo’s Calling, written by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling’s pseudonym), is a gripping detective novel that delves into the world of private investigator Cormoran Strike. When a troubled supermodel falls to her death, the police quickly rule it as suicide. However, her grieving brother believes otherwise and turns to Strike for help.
As Strike digs deeper into the glamorous and sinister world of fashion, he uncovers a web of lies, secrets, and betrayal. The novel is a thrilling exploration of the underbelly of fame, wealth, and power, and the lengths people will go to protect their reputations.
Set against the backdrop of London, The Cuckoo’s Calling is a masterfully crafted mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. With its intricate plot, complex characters, and clever twists, this book will appeal to fans of classic detective stories and those who enjoy a tale of police corruption.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
by Stieg Larsson
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, written by Stieg Larsson, is a gripping thriller that delves into the dark world of police corruption. Set in Sweden, the novel follows journalist Mikael Blomkvist as he investigates the disappearance of a young woman from a wealthy family. He enlists the help of the enigmatic and brilliant hacker, Lisbeth Salander, who has her own troubled past and a fierce determination for justice.
As the story unfolds, Blomkvist and Salander uncover a web of deceit, violence, and corruption that reaches into the highest levels of society and government. The novel is a riveting tale of intrigue, suspense, and unexpected alliances, as the duo navigates through a maze of secrets and lies to expose the truth.
With its intense plot, complex characters, and a relentless exploration of the theme of police corruption, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a must-read for fans of thrilling mysteries and crime novels.
The Poet
by Michael Connelly
The Poet by Michael Connelly is a gripping thriller that delves into the dark world of police corruption. The novel follows journalist Jack McEvoy as he investigates the apparent suicide of his brother, a cop. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of deceit and deception within the police force. The story takes readers on a heart-pounding journey as McEvoy unravels a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of law enforcement.
Connelly’s masterful storytelling and attention to detail make The Poet a captivating read, full of twists and turns that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The novel is a thrilling exploration of the murky world of law enforcement, and it offers a chilling portrayal of the lengths some will go to in order to maintain power and control. The Poet is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a suspenseful, thought-provoking book about police corruption and the pursuit of justice.
The Girl Who Played with Fire
by Stieg Larsson
The Girl Who Played with Fire is a gripping thriller by Stieg Larsson that delves into the dark and dangerous world of police corruption. The story follows Lisbeth Salander, a brilliant computer hacker, as she becomes the prime suspect in a brutal murder case. As she goes on the run to prove her innocence, journalist Mikael Blomkvist races against time to uncover the truth behind the murder and clear Lisbeth’s name.
This intense and fast-paced novel is filled with twists and turns, as well as a complex web of deceit, betrayal, and secrets. Larsson’s masterful storytelling keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate through a world rife with police misconduct, cover-ups, and manipulation.
The Girl Who Played with Fire is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a thrilling and thought-provoking tale of suspense and intrigue, as well as those interested in exploring the dark underbelly of law enforcement and the consequences of police corruption.
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest
by Stieg Larsson
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest, written by Stieg Larsson, is a thrilling conclusion to the Millennium Trilogy. This gripping novel follows Lisbeth Salander, a brilliant and enigmatic hacker, as she continues to fight for justice while recovering from a near-fatal encounter. With the help of journalist Mikael Blomkvist, Salander unravels a web of deceit, conspiracy, and corruption within law enforcement.
As Salander’s past and present collide, she becomes a target for those who want to silence her. The novel delves into the dark underbelly of society, exposing the corrupt practices of the police and the lengths they will go to protect their own interests. As the stakes escalate, Salander must use all of her wits and skills to confront the forces aligned against her.
With its intense action, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a gripping book about police corruption.
The Drop
by Dennis Lehane
The Drop by Dennis Lehane is a gripping crime novel that delves into the seedy underbelly of the criminal underworld. Set in Boston, the story follows bartender Bob Saginowski as he gets caught up in a web of deceit and betrayal. When Bob finds a battered puppy in a trash can, it sets off a series of events that lead him to confront the dangerous criminal elements that lurk in his neighborhood. As Bob navigates through the treacherous world of organized crime, he becomes entangled in a web of lies, secrets, and violence.
This book on police corruption is a thrilling and intense read, filled with complex characters and unexpected twists. Lehane’s masterful storytelling keeps the reader on the edge of their seat as they uncover the dark truths that lie beneath the surface. The Drop is a gritty and compelling exploration of the consequences of power, greed, and betrayal, making it a must-read for fans of crime fiction and police corruption books.
The Black Ice
by Michael Connelly
The Black Ice by Michael Connelly is a riveting crime thriller that delves into the dark and dangerous world of police corruption. The story follows Detective Harry Bosch as he investigates the mysterious death of a fellow officer, which leads him down a treacherous path of deception and betrayal. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of corruption and cover-ups that reaches to the highest levels of law enforcement.
Connelly’s skillful storytelling and intricate plot twists keep readers on the edge of their seats as Bosch navigates through the dangerous maze of deceit and danger. The novel expertly portrays the gritty reality of police corruption and the toll it takes on those who are committed to upholding justice. The Black Ice is a gripping and immersive read that will keep you guessing until the very end.
The Girl in the Spider’s Web
by David Lagercrantz
The Girl in the Spider’s Web by David Lagercrantz is a thrilling continuation of Stieg Larsson’s Millennium series. This gripping novel follows Lisbeth Salander, the enigmatic hacker, and Mikael Blomkvist, the investigative journalist, as they become entangled in a web of intrigue, espionage, and danger.
Set against the backdrop of cybercrime and government surveillance, the story delves into the dark world of corruption and power struggles. With its intricate plot and fast-paced action, the novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats as Salander and Blomkvist race against time to uncover the truth.
As they navigate through a treacherous landscape of deceit and manipulation, they must confront their own personal demons while facing a formidable new adversary. The book is a compelling tale of betrayal, redemption, and justice, making it a must-read for fans of suspense and thrillers.
With its exploration of themes such as espionage, cybercrime, and police corruption, The Girl in the Spider’s Web is a captivating and thought-provoking read that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.
Serpico
by Peter Maas
Serpico is a gripping non-fiction book by Peter Maas that delves into the gritty world of police corruption. The book follows the true story of Frank Serpico, an honest cop in the 1960s and 1970s who blew the whistle on the widespread corruption within the New York City Police Department. Maas paints a vivid picture of the dangerous and complex world of law enforcement, where Serpico is faced with the difficult decision of whether to remain silent or risk his life by exposing the deep-seated corruption within the police force.
Through Maas’ compelling storytelling, readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of suspense and intrigue as Serpico battles against a system rife with police corruption. The book offers a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of morality, integrity, and the challenges of standing up against corruption in law enforcement. Serpico is a must-read for anyone interested in the complexities of the criminal justice system and the fight against police corruption.
L.A. Confidential
by James Ellroy
L.A. Confidential by James Ellroy is a gripping crime novel that delves into the gritty underbelly of 1950s Los Angeles. Set against the backdrop of the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, the story follows three very different LAPD officers as they navigate a web of corruption, violence, and deceit. The book is a dark and compelling exploration of the seedy world of police misconduct, and the lengths to which people will go to protect their own interests. With its intricate plot and complex characters, L.A. Confidential is a mesmerizing tale of power, betrayal, and redemption, and a must-read for anyone who enjoys a gritty, noir-style thriller. This book on police corruption will keep readers on the edge of their seats as they unravel the dark secrets of the LAPD and the city it serves.
The Brotherhoods
by Guy Lawson
The Brotherhoods by Guy Lawson is a gripping and eye-opening book about police corruption that delves into the dark and complex world of organized crime and law enforcement. Lawson takes readers on a thrilling journey through the notorious and shadowy underworld of the New York Police Department, exposing the deep-rooted corruption and criminal activities that have plagued the force for decades.
Through extensive research and in-depth interviews with former cops and informants, Lawson uncovers the intricate web of bribery, extortion, and violence that has allowed corruption to thrive within the ranks of the NYPD. He sheds light on the dangerous alliances between rogue cops and powerful mobsters, as well as the devastating impact of police corruption on the communities they are meant to protect.
The Brotherhoods is a riveting and thought-provoking exploration of the dark side of law enforcement, revealing the shocking reality of corruption within the police department and the courageous individuals who have fought to expose and combat it.
Final Thoughts on Best Police Corruption Books
There you have it, the 20 best books about Police Corruption that will keep you on the edge of your seat. These gripping stories shed light on the dark side of law enforcement and make for compelling reads. Whether you’re a true crime enthusiast or just looking for a thrilling page-turner, these books are sure to captivate and educate. Dive into the murky world of police corruption with these riveting reads.
Which book about Police Corruption is best?
The best book on Police Corruption can vary with personal preference, but three widely recommended titles are:
- The Force by Don Winslow,
- The Whites by Richard Price (writing as Harry Brandt),
- The Black Echo by Michael Connelly.
Each offers valuable insights and could be a great starting point.
What are the best books to learn about Police Corruption?
For those looking to learn about Police Corruption, there is a wealth of literature that can provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Some of the most highly recommended books include:
- The Force by Don Winslow,
- The Whites by Richard Price (writing as Harry Brandt),
- The Black Echo by Michael Connelly,
- The Power of the Dog by Don Winslow,
- The Cartel by Don Winslow,
- The Drop by Michael Connelly,
- The Black Box by Michael Connelly,
- The Trespasser by Tana French,
- The Black Dahlia by James Ellroy,
- The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling)
These books offer a range of perspectives on Police Corruption, covering various aspects and approaches to the subject.
What are the best books about Police Corruption?
The best books about Police Corruption are:
- The Force by Don Winslow,
- The Whites by Richard Price (writing as Harry Brandt),
- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson,
- The Poet by Michael Connelly,
- The Trespasser by Tana French,
- The Drop by Michael Connelly.
Each offers unique insights into the subject. While these books about Police Corruption are highly regarded, it’s important to note that any list of ‘best’ books is subjective and reflects a range of opinions.
What are the best Police Corruption books of all time?
Choosing the best Police Corruption books of all time can vary depending on who you ask, but five titles that are often celebrated include
- The Force by Don Winslow,
- The Whites by Richard Price (writing as Harry Brandt),
- The Cartel by Don Winslow,
- The Trespasser by Tana French,
- and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson.
Each of these books has made a significant impact in the field of Police Corruption and continues to be influential today.