True Crime Blog
When it was first suggested to me that I should write my own story, I was against the idea of it. Who was I to write a memoir? I’m nothing special—no rock star (though at one time I aspired to be one), super athlete, or war hero. Yes, I have had the opportunity to do…
Frederick Reynolds is a retired Los Angeles County homicide detective and former Compton police officer. Today he joins us to discuss his illustrious and meritorious career, his love of writing, and his newly released law enforcement memoir, BLACK, WHITE, AND GRAY ALL OVER. Join me in welcoming Fred.
This week’s blog is an interview with Michael Black, the author of nearly forty novels in several genres. He is also a military and law enforcement veteran, a fascinating man, and a good friend. Welcome, Mike. Interview Q: Mike, I met you a couple of years ago at the Public Safety Writers conference in Las…
THE NIGHT POLICE is the debut novel of my good friends and fellow authors, Chris Berg and Paul James Smith. Based on real-life events, THE NIGHT POLICE is a deeply complex, page-turning anthology. These thematically linked short stories reunite five warrior lawmen for a cathartic night of drinking, a homecoming of sorts. Instead, they are…
Police and detective stories have withstood the test of time, and they are not going away anytime soon. If you’re writing crime novels but have no law enforcement experience, how do you get it right? Most crime writers have no personal experience with the crimes about which they write, nor with the resulting investigative processes…
The most popular blog I’ve ever written, hands down, is 8 WAYS TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER, a parody of the endless self-help features offered by every blogger and her dog. Although clearly a spoof, this blog has drawn the attention of some ne’er-do-wells scheming to harm their fellow man. The Original Murder Blog Spoof…
NOTHING LEFT TO PROVE is a law enforcement memoir to be published sometime in the near future. It is the story of my career as a deputy sheriff with Los Angeles County, but it isn’t just a collection of war stories; rather, it is a compelling story of pain and healing, self-doubt and certainty, love…
When you arrive at the blank page in the back of this book, you won’t have come to it lightly. BOUND BY WAR is a memoir by Todd Lander, who served in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division, also known as the Screaming Eagles. In Vietnam, the 101st airborne comprised battalions of airmobile infantry, artillery,…
A former colleague recently asked for audiobook recommendations for himself and others who spend a lot of time traveling. I’m a big fan of audiobooks, and I’m always listening to something on audio when I’m driving or taking a walk. The following are some of the books I’ve listened to recently that you might enjoy…
I recently had the pleasure of connecting with best-selling author Jake Needham. He writes a fantastic and very different crime series set in Southeast Asia. I’ve just recently finished the first book in his Mean Streets series, and am anxious to continue on. Jake has graciously—and entertainingly—answered a few questions for me so that I…