The Blue Knight

I recently started reading books by this author, and I love the older ones - they don't have the typical endings we have come to expect from current crime-related novels. This book was particularly interesting as a contrast between attitudes of police officers a few decades ago, and the ethics and political considerations officers have to deal with these days. It was a compelling read, and the ending was absolutely gut-wrenching... Read Full Review

Excelant book, highly recommend, Joseph Waumbaugh is the best, drama, humor and reality, you'r laugh, cry and mayby understand!!!!!!!!!!

Mr. Wambaugh's outstanding book still holds up after three decades. World-weary after twenty years on the police force, Bumper Morgan reflects on the changing nature of police work and the potential for a new phase of his life when he retires at the age of 50. He is exposed on a daily basis to the extremes of the human conditon; from seamy survivalist of poverty and drug-addiction to courageous, law-abiding citizens just trying... Read Full Review

Joseph Wambaugh never ceases to entertain me. ?The Blue Knight? is one of his earlier works, and so far it?s a very close second to ?The New Centurions? for my favorite Wambaugh novel. The novel tells the story of Bumper Morgan, a Los Angeles beat cop who is three days from retirement. Bumper is a big, fat, loveable glutton with a bit of a sadistic streak. We follow his last few days on the police force while he begrudgingly... Read Full Review

Wambaugh's ability to put you in the novel is superb. You feel the heat of mid-day and the scratchy wool suit Bumper Morgan wares. Bumper hides from real relationships by being the great blue protector the people on his beat. He is running from the pain of the death of his yong son so many years ago. He does open his heart to his best friend who chides him "your soul's in danger if you do not love."He lives in a world... Read Full Review