'So focused that nothing will stop me'

 

“I enjoy doing the research of nonfiction; that gives me some pleasure, being a detective again.” – Joseph Wambaugh

 

Born in Pittsburgh, PA in January of 1937, Wambaugh is often listed among the greatest crime writers – for both nonfiction AND fiction.  The son of a police officer, he joined the U.S. Marines at age 17, served several years in the Corps, then followed his dad into police work, starting with the Los Angeles Police Department. 

 

In 1971, his first book, The New Centurions, was a critical and financial success, but he continued working as a police officer while writing, winning even more awards and success with his second book, The Blue Knight.   “(But) When I wrote The Onion Field, I realized that my first two novels were just practice,” Wambaugh said.  “The Onion Field made me a real writer. And . . . I couldn't be a cop anymore.”    

 
Many of his novels feature Los Angeles police officers as protagonists, but his nonfiction books like The Blooding and Fire Lover: A True Story are set in other parts of the country and England   Wambaugh (who died in 2025) was the winner of 3 Edgar Awards and recipient of Grand Master status from the Mystery Writers of America.  All 21 of his books – the last one being Harbor Nocturne in 2012 – were bestsellers and award winners. 

Wambaugh said he was always “very focused” when writing, striving for at least a thousand words a day. “Nothing will stop me,” he said.  “I mean nothing, until the book is finished.  I'm disciplined in spite of myself.”