Joseph Wambaugh
4 SeriesJoseph Wambaugh is an American author known for his crime fiction, mystery novels, and true crime non-fiction. Prior to his writing career, he served in the U.S. Marines and spent 14 years with the LAPD, rising to the rank of detective sergeant. His novels, often set in Los Angeles, feature police officers with realistic, flawed personalities.
Author: Joseph Wambaugh Rewritten synopsis: In "The Onion Field," Joseph Wambaugh recounts the harrowing true story of two LAPD officers, Ian Campbell and Karl Hettinger, who are kidnapped by armed robbers during a routine traffic stop. The criminals drive the officers to an onion field in Bakersfield, where Campbell is brutally murdered. Hettinger escapes, sparking a manhunt and trial that exposes the psychological toll on survivors and the flaws within the justice system. Wambaugh's detailed narrative delves into the aftermath, exploring themes of guilt, trauma, and redemption. This gripping account offers a stark look at the realities of police work and the human capacity for resilience.
