Murder Behind the Badge: True Stories of Cops Who Kill

by Pat Brown and Stacy Dittrich

Book Overview

In a shocking true-crime narrative that reads like a thriller, former police officer, former detective, and mystery writer Stacy Dittrich tells eighteen stories about cops who kill. From the brutal to the bizarre, the senseless to the extreme, these men and women abused their power, took human life, and are now (except for one) paying the consequences. Some killed for love, others for money, and still others because of seemingly trivial personality...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1591027594
• ISBN13: 9781591027591
• Release Date: November 2009
• Publisher: Prometheus Books
• Length: 370 Pages
• Weight: 4.31 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

A good read from an author who's been there.

After finishing Dittrich's autobiography, Stumbling Along the Beat, I was curious to see what other titles she had in print. I picked up this book and got exactly what I expected: a great, somewhat dark, weekend read that held my interest through to the end. I'll admit that this type of book isn't my normal fare - I have little interest in attempting to "critically read" true crime authors who unnecessarily sensationalize stories that are already compelling. Perhaps that's why I enjoyed this book as much as I did. The author presents the facts of each case and lets the stories tell themselves...and she does so without feeling the need to cast herself in the role of psychoanalyst by attempting to explain what makes cold blooded killers tick. Above all else, her no-nonsense approach ensures that this book remains respectful to the victims of these horrible crimes and never risks becoming a sweeping condemnation of law enforcement officers everywhere. Unfortunately, one reviewer seems to have taken exception to Dittrich's writing style. Yes, it's probably true that she won't be accepting the Pullitzer in the very near future. However, one has to wonder what type of reader picks up a book entitled "Murder Behind the Badge," written by a 20-year veteran police officer, and expects to find Mark Twain or Charles Hemingway. In response to Ms. True Crime Valentine's inexplicable red-lining remarks, I can only say that I've been an avid reader for more than 40 years, and it's rare that I find a book that doesn't contain an occassional mistake. For the reacord, Ms. Valentine, I almost made it through two whole sentences in your review before finding your first grammatical error. (Hint: Look up appositives in any 7th grade English textbook.) Being critical of a book's quality or value is one thing, but making personal comments about the author? Well, that just suggests you've perhaps confused "critical reading" for good, old fashioned critical thinking. So, unless you're looking for tabloid sensationalism or half-baked pseudopsychoanalysis, and as long as grammar naziism isn't your particular cup of tea, I'd definitely recommend this one as a perfect book for a lazy day.

A solid, intriguing coverage of what motivates cops to kill

Murder Behind the Badge: True Stories of Cops Who Kill offers a true-crime narrative that reads like a thriller and comes from a former police officer and detective who tells eighteen stories about cops who kill. Any library strong in either law enforcement or social issues will find this a solid, intriguing coverage of what motivates cops to kill.

ellexcency

It was a terrific book,won't be able to put it down,I completed the book in two days,buy it and enjoy.