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Cop Killer: A District One Thriller
Danny Owen. A hard-charging detective who thrives on the thrill of the chase, the danger in the catch. His life is the street. Dark alleys and vicious crimes fill his every waking moment, and often his dreams. Until tragedy turns his world upside down.
Transferred to District One, considered the tamest slice of the city, Danny is partnered with veteran detective Jack James, a cool and methodical investigator whose near legendary tenure is considered pivotal in creating the District's peaceful environment. But even shining cities have their shadows, and the new partners find themselves facing a cold and calculating killer. One who might be avenging angel, or simply atoning for their own sins.
As Danny and Jack identify and close in on their suspect, the bounds of right and wrong, justice and vengeance, begin to blur. So much so that one detective begins to doubt just who is adversary, and who is ally.
Transferred to District One, considered the tamest slice of the city, Danny is partnered with veteran detective Jack James, a cool and methodical investigator whose near legendary tenure is considered pivotal in creating the District's peaceful environment. But even shining cities have their shadows, and the new partners find themselves facing a cold and calculating killer. One who might be avenging angel, or simply atoning for their own sins.
As Danny and Jack identify and close in on their suspect, the bounds of right and wrong, justice and vengeance, begin to blur. So much so that one detective begins to doubt just who is adversary, and who is ally.
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First published January 1, 2013
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About the author
Ryne Douglas Pearson
26 books61 followersRyne Douglas Pearson is an accomplished novelist and screenwriter. He is the author of several novels, including Cloudburst, October's Ghost, Capitol Punishment, Simple Simon, Top Ten, The Donzerly Light, All For One, Confessions, and Cop Killer. He is also the author of the short story collection, Dark and Darker. His novel Simple Simon was made into the film Mercury Rising. As a screenwriter he has worked on numerous movies. The film Knowing, based on his original script, was released in 2009 and opened #1 at the box office. Receiving Four Stars from Roger Ebert, who branded it ‘among the best science-fiction films I’ve seen’, it went on to earn more than $180 million worldwide. He has also done uncredited work on films such as the remakes of The Day The Earth Stood Still and The Eye.
Despite the often ‘dark’ nature of his novels and films, Pearson has been noted to have a ‘sweet, disarming quality’ by Entertainment Weekly–an accusation he has been unable to shake. When not writing he is usually thinking about writing, or touting the wonders of bacon in online conversations. He is addicted to diet soda and the sound of his children laughing. A west coast native, he lives in California with his wife, children, a Doberman Kelpie and a Beagle Vizsla.
Despite the often ‘dark’ nature of his novels and films, Pearson has been noted to have a ‘sweet, disarming quality’ by Entertainment Weekly–an accusation he has been unable to shake. When not writing he is usually thinking about writing, or touting the wonders of bacon in online conversations. He is addicted to diet soda and the sound of his children laughing. A west coast native, he lives in California with his wife, children, a Doberman Kelpie and a Beagle Vizsla.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 6, 2025
I liked it enough to look up another of Ryne Douglas Pearsons books, and that's not a bad start to a long relationship.
(Please forgive my poor English, my excuse is I’m Swedish).
(Please forgive my poor English, my excuse is I’m Swedish).
August 10, 2013
Kudos to Mr. Pearson for another exciting thriller!
It's difficult to say much about a thriller without giving away twists in the plot, so I will highlight the points about this book that I found particularly excellent without giving too much away.
"Cop Killer" is the story of a man who transfers from an extremely dangerous police district to one viewed as relatively tame because of a little girl -- his niece, Lacy. Danny Owen, the story's protagonist, has become guardian of his niece after her parent's death and doesn't want her living in the kind of place where he used to work, so he transfers to District One. That single decision begins the sequence of events that leads to the thrilling ride that this story eventually becomes. In fact, Lacy and Danny's feelings for her are what drives the plot at crucial times to its ultimate conclusion. Their relationship is one that is very subtly drawn yet remains a persistent motivation that gives definite believability to the tale.
The main characters are nicely fleshed out and not stereotypical. Each has nuances that add that special feeling of grayness we all possess. We are not cookie-cutter people and these are not cookie-cutter characters. That same grayness carries over in the way things play out. Things are never just right or wrong, good or bad. There are no strictly winners or losers. What is right for one turns out to be wrong for others. What is bad on the face of it seems good in the end. The ones who are supposed to have won, did win but at what price?
The pace is excellent, and the action is intense at times. This is not a book for the faint of heart (or children). The resolution at the end is well thought out and satisfying. I highly recommend this excellently written and well-plotted thriller to all who enjoy the genre.
It's difficult to say much about a thriller without giving away twists in the plot, so I will highlight the points about this book that I found particularly excellent without giving too much away.
"Cop Killer" is the story of a man who transfers from an extremely dangerous police district to one viewed as relatively tame because of a little girl -- his niece, Lacy. Danny Owen, the story's protagonist, has become guardian of his niece after her parent's death and doesn't want her living in the kind of place where he used to work, so he transfers to District One. That single decision begins the sequence of events that leads to the thrilling ride that this story eventually becomes. In fact, Lacy and Danny's feelings for her are what drives the plot at crucial times to its ultimate conclusion. Their relationship is one that is very subtly drawn yet remains a persistent motivation that gives definite believability to the tale.
The main characters are nicely fleshed out and not stereotypical. Each has nuances that add that special feeling of grayness we all possess. We are not cookie-cutter people and these are not cookie-cutter characters. That same grayness carries over in the way things play out. Things are never just right or wrong, good or bad. There are no strictly winners or losers. What is right for one turns out to be wrong for others. What is bad on the face of it seems good in the end. The ones who are supposed to have won, did win but at what price?
The pace is excellent, and the action is intense at times. This is not a book for the faint of heart (or children). The resolution at the end is well thought out and satisfying. I highly recommend this excellently written and well-plotted thriller to all who enjoy the genre.
August 12, 2013
This is an incredible tale of loyalty and trust, murder and mystery. What with the dark style and beautifully written prose, not to mention the themes of coldness/hardness and betrayal, it reminded me of a classic gothic novel.
From the very first murder scene, I had a feeling I knew where the story would end up--but I was wrong. And then around half the book I was sure I knew where it was headed--only to be surprised again. There's nothing simple about this story, it has engaging characters with a plot that draws you in.
Danny is not your average protagonists. The first scene he was in made me sure I wasn't going to like him--but as more layers are revealed to his character the more I realized what a complex, flawed, and also inexplicably heroic soul he had.
I really can't wait to see where this series goes. I wish the next book in the series came out tomorrow!
From the very first murder scene, I had a feeling I knew where the story would end up--but I was wrong. And then around half the book I was sure I knew where it was headed--only to be surprised again. There's nothing simple about this story, it has engaging characters with a plot that draws you in.
Danny is not your average protagonists. The first scene he was in made me sure I wasn't going to like him--but as more layers are revealed to his character the more I realized what a complex, flawed, and also inexplicably heroic soul he had.
I really can't wait to see where this series goes. I wish the next book in the series came out tomorrow!
March 13, 2014
This is the second book by Ryne Pearson I've read (Donzerly Light got me hooked) and he does not disappoint. Both books rather confused me in the beginning with keeping characters/incidences straight (this book in particular since two of the main characters present with a similar situation), but it all comes clear shortly after.
October 4, 2013
Great characters and questions the reader can relate to in terms of right versus wrong and relationships. Totally enjoyed this read and looking forward to the next District One Thriller.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews