Danny R. Smith's Blog

It’s been a while since I’ve recommended books and authors to you, so without further ado, here are some of the terrific reads I’ve enjoyed this year: Tough Streets, Rough Skies, and Sunday Sidelines Written by Larry Wansley, this book is a fascinating biography spanning the author’s time as a cop on the mean streets…

The radio code “10-33” is used to clear the airwaves for emergency radio traffic. “10-33 Go” is one dispatcher’s response over the frequency. “Unit with emergency traffic, go” is another. These exclamations crackling over the radio are chilling even for the most seasoned street cops. 10-33 Go! Conversations are halted. Radio cars stop and wait…

Homicide: Los Angeles is a five-episode Netflix docuseries focused on several high profile murder cases investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau. I was asked to appear in the first two episodes along with a few of my former colleagues, and it was an honor to do so. Homicide: Los Angeles Episode one…

The opening line of a story should grab a reader’s attention like a flash of lightning, the sound of tires squealing to a stop, the blast of an air horn, or the bugle of a bull elk rumbling through dark woods. A well-crafted opening line is a tease, a seduction, a baited hook that threatens…

“What the #@%# did you say?” There was a brief standoff at the top of the escalator following the challenge I issued, which in print would appear an innocuous question if not for the colorful expletive. But the tone—oh, man, the tone. And the posture, the body language, the daggers my tired eyes can still…

Over the holiday weekend, I caught a bug and spent nearly a week inside, avoiding the cold snap of weather and partaking in an epic book binge. The days passed quickly as I blazed through five books in as many days. And with the holidays upon us and winter bearing down, I thought it would…

What has happened to the rule of law in our society? I watch the world news, and although I’m disgusted by the atrocities committed by some of our fellow human beings, I’m not surprised by it. Evil exists, and certain cultures on this planet embrace violence the way you and I seek comfort and peace…

Death. It’s part of life. And for those of us fortunate enough remain healthy as we negotiate the “golden years,” there is a price to be paid: the pain and heartbreak of losing loved ones, partners, and friends. This has been a difficult few days for me and many of my friends and former colleagues.…

On the morning of April 11, 2023, Rachel King, a 35-year-old Philadelphia resident and elementary school teacher, was gunned down while waiting in her car at a Dunkin Donuts drive-thru. Her 11-year-old son was in the back seat. The Alleged Killer Zakkee Alhakim is thought to have been hired by Julie Jean to commit the…

Whenever I find new authors I really enjoy, I share them with you. Recently I discovered Frank Zafiro, a prolific author who writes crime fiction. Like me, he’s a former cop, and his prose has an authenticity that many are lacking. He’s a gifted writer, and I think you will like his stories. So let’s…