What do you think?
Rate this book
The Cop Guy: A SoCal Novel
Mike Hepp is the tennis pro for the Pasadena Racketeers. When his ex-girlfriend Emily gets beat up by her new beau Paullie—a cocaine dealer supplied by a Mexican cartel—Mike gets called in to save her. Paullie mistakes Mike for a cop. They fight. The Sheriffs arrive to break it up. Emily flees with Mike to his house, but she disappears unexpectedly the next day.
Mike fears she has gone back to Paullie. But weeks later, when she is still missing, law enforcement suspects Mike of her kidnapping and possible murder. When the Racketeers suddenly close down, a friend loans Mike her empty beach house for the summer in private Surfside Colony. He becomes involved with a married woman, whom he thinks is divorced. As his friend Duke later points “Can’t you find yourself a normal girlfriend?” Can he? Or will the married woman’s husband or the Mexican cartel’s hitman gun down that damn cop guy before the Sheriffs and the FBI send Mike to prison for the rest of his life?
Mike fears she has gone back to Paullie. But weeks later, when she is still missing, law enforcement suspects Mike of her kidnapping and possible murder. When the Racketeers suddenly close down, a friend loans Mike her empty beach house for the summer in private Surfside Colony. He becomes involved with a married woman, whom he thinks is divorced. As his friend Duke later points “Can’t you find yourself a normal girlfriend?” Can he? Or will the married woman’s husband or the Mexican cartel’s hitman gun down that damn cop guy before the Sheriffs and the FBI send Mike to prison for the rest of his life?
Audible Audio
Published January 5, 2026
28 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Mark Barkawitz
7 books87 followersMark Barkawitz has earned local and national awards for his fiction, poetry, essay, and screenwriting. His work has appeared in newspapers, magazines, literary journals and anthologies, ‘zines, and on dozens of websites. He has IMDb feature film credits as screenwriter, actor, & associate producer (Mark Bark) for “Turn of the Blade” (NorthStar Ent.) and supporting actor in “The Killing Time” (New World Pictures). He’s taught creative writing classes, coached a championship track team of student/athletes, and ran the 2001 L.A. Marathon in 3:44:42. He lives with his wife and has two kids in Pasadena, CA.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 20, 2025
A Fast-Paced SoCal Thriller with Grit, Heart, and Sharp Twists
The Cop Guy: A SoCal Novel is a gripping, sun-soaked thriller that blends crime, suspense, and flawed humanity into a tightly wound story that never lets up. Mike Hepp is an immediately compelling protagonist an ordinary guy whose life spirals out of control through loyalty, bad timing, and one dangerous misunderstanding. Mistaken for a cop and dragged into the violent orbit of a cartel-connected cocaine dealer, Mike’s descent feels both believable and terrifying. What starts as an attempt to help an ex-girlfriend quickly becomes a nightmare of disappearances, suspicion, and looming law enforcement pressure. The Southern California setting is vividly drawn, from the tennis courts of Pasadena to the deceptive calm of Surfside Colony. The contrast between the beach-town tranquility and the constant threat of violence adds a sharp tension to the story. The supporting cast especially Duke brings much-needed wit and grounding perspective, while Mike’s morally complicated relationship with the married woman deepens the emotional stakes. What truly stands out is the pacing. The plot moves briskly, layering danger from every direction: the cartel, the Sheriffs, the FBI, and Mike’s own questionable decisions. The author does an excellent job keeping the reader guessing no one feels completely safe, and every choice carries consequences. This is a smart, gritty crime novel with noir undertones, relatable mistakes, and relentless suspense. If you enjoy contemporary thrillers, SoCal noir, or stories where an average man is pushed to the edge by extraordinary circumstances, The Cop Guy is well worth the read.
The Cop Guy: A SoCal Novel is a gripping, sun-soaked thriller that blends crime, suspense, and flawed humanity into a tightly wound story that never lets up. Mike Hepp is an immediately compelling protagonist an ordinary guy whose life spirals out of control through loyalty, bad timing, and one dangerous misunderstanding. Mistaken for a cop and dragged into the violent orbit of a cartel-connected cocaine dealer, Mike’s descent feels both believable and terrifying. What starts as an attempt to help an ex-girlfriend quickly becomes a nightmare of disappearances, suspicion, and looming law enforcement pressure. The Southern California setting is vividly drawn, from the tennis courts of Pasadena to the deceptive calm of Surfside Colony. The contrast between the beach-town tranquility and the constant threat of violence adds a sharp tension to the story. The supporting cast especially Duke brings much-needed wit and grounding perspective, while Mike’s morally complicated relationship with the married woman deepens the emotional stakes. What truly stands out is the pacing. The plot moves briskly, layering danger from every direction: the cartel, the Sheriffs, the FBI, and Mike’s own questionable decisions. The author does an excellent job keeping the reader guessing no one feels completely safe, and every choice carries consequences. This is a smart, gritty crime novel with noir undertones, relatable mistakes, and relentless suspense. If you enjoy contemporary thrillers, SoCal noir, or stories where an average man is pushed to the edge by extraordinary circumstances, The Cop Guy is well worth the read.
October 21, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
From its opening scene, The Cop Guy pulled me into a world that was equal parts sun-drenched SoCal and underbelly danger—and I loved every minute of it. Mark Barkawitz has crafted a gritty, high-stakes thriller that stays with you long after the last page.
What stood out most was Mike Hepp’s transformation: from a tennis-pro with a seemingly ordinary life to a man framed, fearful, and forced into extremes he never imagined. That journey—of danger, misdirection, and self-discovery—was raw, believable, and compelling.
Goodreads
I also appreciated the setting and tone. The contrast between the bright, beach-house summer vibe and the lurking cartel threats created a tension that was brilliantly sustained. Mark’s dialogue is sharp, the plot moves fast, and the character relationships (especially Mike’s with Emily and the married woman subplot) added real emotional weight.
This is more than just a crime thriller—it’s a story about identity, survival, and the cost of stepping into someone else’s shoes (or being mistaken for one). Thank you, Mark Barkawitz, for a compelling read that exceeded my expectations. I can’t wait to see what you write next.
From its opening scene, The Cop Guy pulled me into a world that was equal parts sun-drenched SoCal and underbelly danger—and I loved every minute of it. Mark Barkawitz has crafted a gritty, high-stakes thriller that stays with you long after the last page.
What stood out most was Mike Hepp’s transformation: from a tennis-pro with a seemingly ordinary life to a man framed, fearful, and forced into extremes he never imagined. That journey—of danger, misdirection, and self-discovery—was raw, believable, and compelling.
Goodreads
I also appreciated the setting and tone. The contrast between the bright, beach-house summer vibe and the lurking cartel threats created a tension that was brilliantly sustained. Mark’s dialogue is sharp, the plot moves fast, and the character relationships (especially Mike’s with Emily and the married woman subplot) added real emotional weight.
This is more than just a crime thriller—it’s a story about identity, survival, and the cost of stepping into someone else’s shoes (or being mistaken for one). Thank you, Mark Barkawitz, for a compelling read that exceeded my expectations. I can’t wait to see what you write next.
February 13, 2025
The Cop Guy: A SoCal Novel by Mark Barkawitz
This book starts out with Michael and he's got his hands full.
A pregnant girlfriend Bonnie, a runaway woman, Emily that is involved in testifying at a court trial about cartel drugs, tennis coach, baseball pitcher, FBI asking questions of him, Mike is just trying to live. He lives at a woman's house who he housesits for, cleaning out her garage and gets the ex husbands car running. Mike also sells his old baseball cards to make ends meet.
Robert shooting a gun at baseball game, the scenes go on.
At times the scenes are funny but they are also very dire.
Love the very descriptive details, this would make a really good movie! Like how he earns his money, almost something for him and he finds them. He has many colorful friends and work connections. He has so much going against him and then he falls off the roof.
Love male point of view, no frilly or flowery things.
Amazing how all these connection to Mike and he can wrap it up so quickly with no cliff hangers.
Can't wait to read more from this author.
This book starts out with Michael and he's got his hands full.
A pregnant girlfriend Bonnie, a runaway woman, Emily that is involved in testifying at a court trial about cartel drugs, tennis coach, baseball pitcher, FBI asking questions of him, Mike is just trying to live. He lives at a woman's house who he housesits for, cleaning out her garage and gets the ex husbands car running. Mike also sells his old baseball cards to make ends meet.
Robert shooting a gun at baseball game, the scenes go on.
At times the scenes are funny but they are also very dire.
Love the very descriptive details, this would make a really good movie! Like how he earns his money, almost something for him and he finds them. He has many colorful friends and work connections. He has so much going against him and then he falls off the roof.
Love male point of view, no frilly or flowery things.
Amazing how all these connection to Mike and he can wrap it up so quickly with no cliff hangers.
Can't wait to read more from this author.
February 6, 2025
A Gritty, Fast-Paced Thriller That Keeps You Guessing
Mark Barkawitz delivers a gripping, high-stakes thriller that pulls you in from the first page and refuses to let go. With sharp, no-nonsense prose and an authentic, street-level feel, The Cop Guy throws tennis pro Mike Hepp into a relentless storm of crime, deception, and desperate choices.
From a violent confrontation with a cartel-linked dealer to the ominous disappearance of his ex-girlfriend, Mike’s life spirals into a tangled web of suspicion, betrayal, and deadly pursuit. As law enforcement closes in, and a ruthless hitman lurks in the shadows, Mike’s every move could be his last. Can he clear his name, or is he doomed to be the fall guy in a game he never meant to play?
Barkawitz crafts a relentless narrative packed with tension, dark humor, and razor-sharp dialogue. Fans of gritty crime fiction, morally complex protagonists, and pulse-pounding suspense won’t want to miss this one.
Mark Barkawitz delivers a gripping, high-stakes thriller that pulls you in from the first page and refuses to let go. With sharp, no-nonsense prose and an authentic, street-level feel, The Cop Guy throws tennis pro Mike Hepp into a relentless storm of crime, deception, and desperate choices.
From a violent confrontation with a cartel-linked dealer to the ominous disappearance of his ex-girlfriend, Mike’s life spirals into a tangled web of suspicion, betrayal, and deadly pursuit. As law enforcement closes in, and a ruthless hitman lurks in the shadows, Mike’s every move could be his last. Can he clear his name, or is he doomed to be the fall guy in a game he never meant to play?
Barkawitz crafts a relentless narrative packed with tension, dark humor, and razor-sharp dialogue. Fans of gritty crime fiction, morally complex protagonists, and pulse-pounding suspense won’t want to miss this one.
July 7, 2025
Mike Hepp is not your typical protagonist, and that’s what makes this story so engaging. From the very first chapter, the author throws you into a gritty, high-stakes situation that keeps escalating. The tennis pro turned reluctant detective is an unlikely hero, and yet his determination to do the right thing, even when everyone seems against him, feels very human and very real.
What struck me most was the layered moral ambiguity: Emily isn’t a saint, Paullie isn’t just a cardboard villain, and even Mike himself makes some poor (if understandable) decisions, like falling for a married woman at the beach house while his life is spiraling out of control. The dialogue is sharp, the pacing brisk, and the tension palpable throughout.
If you enjoy noir-tinged thrillers where every choice has consequences and no one gets out clean, this is for you. Highly recommended for fans of Michael Connelly, Tana French, or Don Winslow.
What struck me most was the layered moral ambiguity: Emily isn’t a saint, Paullie isn’t just a cardboard villain, and even Mike himself makes some poor (if understandable) decisions, like falling for a married woman at the beach house while his life is spiraling out of control. The dialogue is sharp, the pacing brisk, and the tension palpable throughout.
If you enjoy noir-tinged thrillers where every choice has consequences and no one gets out clean, this is for you. Highly recommended for fans of Michael Connelly, Tana French, or Don Winslow.
July 7, 2025
I was blown away by how this novel blends a fast-paced crime thriller with a deeply personal exploration of guilt, loyalty, and survival. Mike Hepp is such an intriguing protagonist, a tennis pro caught in a world of drug cartels, missing persons, and law enforcement breathing down his neck. The way his personal and professional lives unravel simultaneously kept me hooked.
The beach house episodes provided a brilliant contrast to the danger closing in on him: the quiet of Surfside Colony masking his inner turmoil. And the married woman subplot is genius, it shows Mike’s flawed nature without making him unlikable.
This book is gritty, heartbreaking at times, and unputdownable. I recommend it to readers who appreciate character-driven crime stories that feel authentic and suspenseful.
The beach house episodes provided a brilliant contrast to the danger closing in on him: the quiet of Surfside Colony masking his inner turmoil. And the married woman subplot is genius, it shows Mike’s flawed nature without making him unlikable.
This book is gritty, heartbreaking at times, and unputdownable. I recommend it to readers who appreciate character-driven crime stories that feel authentic and suspenseful.
October 9, 2025
What begins as a simple rescue mission quickly spirals into a relentless manhunt with Mike Hepp not as the pursuer, but the hunted. The story’s power lies in its tight, almost claustrophobic realism. The disappearance of Emily, her toxic entanglement with Paullie, and Mike’s own crumbling personal life are rendered with unnerving authenticity.
The tension is unyielding, even in Surfside Colony, where the serene beachfront backdrop stands in stark contrast to the ever-present threats of betrayal, violence, and legal ruin. Fans of Don Winslow’s The Power of the Dog or Netflix’s Ozark will be drawn to the same dark undercurrents and morally complex choices that shape every step of Mike’s journey.
The tension is unyielding, even in Surfside Colony, where the serene beachfront backdrop stands in stark contrast to the ever-present threats of betrayal, violence, and legal ruin. Fans of Don Winslow’s The Power of the Dog or Netflix’s Ozark will be drawn to the same dark undercurrents and morally complex choices that shape every step of Mike’s journey.
June 25, 2025
I really liked how the story begins with Mike Hepp living what appears to be a normal, even boring, life as a tennis pro for the Pasadena Racketeers. It sets the stage for how quickly things can unravel. Mike isn’t your typical hero—he’s just a guy trying to keep his life together. The mundane start contrasts beautifully with the chaos that follows. This quiet introduction makes the descent into danger feel all the more shocking. I appreciated how the author gradually built suspense without rushing. It’s a solid beginning, and I’d recommend this for readers who enjoy slow burns with big payoffs.
June 25, 2025
Emily’s return into Mike’s life is anything but romantic. She shows up bruised and clearly in trouble. The moment she reveals that Paullie—her new boyfriend—is abusive, the story takes a darker turn. This subplot doesn’t shy away from the emotional complexities of abuse and toxic relationships. As a reader, I felt both angry and heartbroken watching Emily’s decisions. The tension between Mike’s protective instincts and his own unresolved feelings is compelling. If you appreciate thrillers that tackle difficult subjects like domestic violence with sensitivity and realism, this part alone makes the book worth reading.
June 25, 2025
By the end, Mike is completely surrounded—by law enforcement, cartel threats, and his own bad decisions. Duke’s line—“Can’t you find yourself a normal girlfriend?”—is darkly funny and completely true. The tension builds to a boiling point, and I couldn’t put the book down. The looming hitman, the FBI’s attention, and Mike’s isolation made the final chapters pulse with dread. I genuinely didn’t know if he’d make it out alive. The ending sticks with you—not neat or easy, but exactly right for the story. I’d recommend this book to anyone who loves gritty, emotionally complex thrillers with sharp writing and stakes that feel real.
June 28, 2025
What begins as a rescue mission quickly turns into a manhunt, where Mike Hepp isn’t the hunter, but the prey. The strength of this story lies in its grounded, almost claustrophobic intimacy. The disappearance of Emily, the toxic pull of her relationship with Paullie, and Mike's unraveling personal life feel frighteningly plausible.
The tension never lets up, not even in Surfside Colony, where the idyllic beachfront setting contrasts sharply with the looming threats of betrayal, violence, and legal doom. Readers of Don Winslow’s The Power of the Dog or fans of Netflix’s Ozark will appreciate the criminal undercurrents and morally fraught decisions that define Mike’s every move.
The tension never lets up, not even in Surfside Colony, where the idyllic beachfront setting contrasts sharply with the looming threats of betrayal, violence, and legal doom. Readers of Don Winslow’s The Power of the Dog or fans of Netflix’s Ozark will appreciate the criminal undercurrents and morally fraught decisions that define Mike’s every move.
July 7, 2025
Mike Hepp’s story is one of bad luck, bad choices, and relentless suspicion, but it’s told with such skill that you can’t help rooting for him. The stakes feel real from the opening scene with Emily and Paullie, and they only get higher as the law closes in and the cartel’s shadow looms.
What I appreciated most was how the author doesn’t resort to clichés. The characters feel like people you might actually know, and the situations, while extreme, feel plausible. Even the minor characters like Duke and the married woman have distinct voices.
Fans of tightly plotted mysteries with emotional depth will find plenty to love here. I’ll definitely be recommending this to my book club!
What I appreciated most was how the author doesn’t resort to clichés. The characters feel like people you might actually know, and the situations, while extreme, feel plausible. Even the minor characters like Duke and the married woman have distinct voices.
Fans of tightly plotted mysteries with emotional depth will find plenty to love here. I’ll definitely be recommending this to my book club!
July 7, 2025
What a ride! This is a tense, emotionally-charged thriller that pulls no punches. Mike Hepp is an everyman stuck in a nightmare, and his journey through suspicion, betrayal, and violence is as compelling as it is heartbreaking.
The setting is beautifully evoked, from the tense nights at the tennis courts to the almost dreamlike atmosphere of the Surfside Colony beach house. You can almost smell the salt air, and feel the danger lurking just out of sight.
This book is perfect for readers who like their thrillers dark, but with a strong human core. I was up way too late finishing this, and I regret nothing. Absolutely recommended.
The setting is beautifully evoked, from the tense nights at the tennis courts to the almost dreamlike atmosphere of the Surfside Colony beach house. You can almost smell the salt air, and feel the danger lurking just out of sight.
This book is perfect for readers who like their thrillers dark, but with a strong human core. I was up way too late finishing this, and I regret nothing. Absolutely recommended.
August 12, 2025
The Cop Guy is a sharp, fast-moving thriller that hooks you from page one and doesn’t let go. Mark Barkawitz delivers a gripping mix of crime, suspense, and SoCal atmosphere, following tennis pro Mike Hepp as he’s pulled into a dangerous spiral involving drug dealers, a missing ex-girlfriend, and a tangle of personal complications. The tension builds with every chapter, and the mix of cartel danger, FBI suspicion, and romantic entanglements keeps the stakes sky-high. Mike is a flawed but likable protagonist you can’t help rooting for, even as trouble finds him again and again. This is an addictive read for fans of gritty, character-driven crime fiction.
June 25, 2025
The scene where Paullie mistakes Mike for a cop is one of the most intense moments in the book. The fight is raw and chaotic, and it completely shifts the tone. What struck me most was how this single misunderstanding puts a target on Mike’s back—not just from Paullie but potentially from the cartel. It’s a brilliant narrative move because it plants paranoia in both the reader and the character. From that point on, nothing feels safe. If you enjoy thrillers where one misstep changes everything, this scene is unforgettable. The author nails tension and consequence.
June 28, 2025
This is noir for the modern reader, sun-drenched streets masking cartel blood trails, emotional entanglements masking psychological collapse. Mike’s entrapment in a murder investigation, alongside his questionable affair, mirrors the duality of man: desperate for connection yet ensnared by the past.
The dialogue snaps, the plot twists like a knife, and every character seems one bad day away from destruction. If you enjoyed the layered suspense of The Girl on the Train or the relentless pace of The Lincoln Lawyer, this novel belongs on your shelf.
The dialogue snaps, the plot twists like a knife, and every character seems one bad day away from destruction. If you enjoyed the layered suspense of The Girl on the Train or the relentless pace of The Lincoln Lawyer, this novel belongs on your shelf.
June 28, 2025
Mike Hepp is a character you root for, even when you’re not sure you should. His flaws are deeply human: longing, pride, misguided loyalty. His entanglement with Emily and the spiral that follows is both inevitable and tragic, reminding readers that the past is never really past.
There’s a slow-burn brilliance to how this novel builds its narrative: cartel intrigue, law enforcement pressure, forbidden love. It reads like Breaking Bad meets The Silent Patient, with every scene loaded with the unspoken tension of someone who's one step away from ruin.
There’s a slow-burn brilliance to how this novel builds its narrative: cartel intrigue, law enforcement pressure, forbidden love. It reads like Breaking Bad meets The Silent Patient, with every scene loaded with the unspoken tension of someone who's one step away from ruin.
June 28, 2025
Few thrillers capture the suffocating nature of suspicion as sharply as this one. Mike’s descent from respected tennis pro to suspected murderer is both terrifying and tragically believable. The story peels back layers of corruption, desperation, and denial, revealing a world where the truth is as dangerous as any lie.
Like The Night Of or Sharp Objects, this novel thrives on atmosphere. The beach house in Surfside Colony should be a refuge—but becomes instead a crucible of secrets and seduction. It’s a gripping read that demands to be devoured.
Like The Night Of or Sharp Objects, this novel thrives on atmosphere. The beach house in Surfside Colony should be a refuge—but becomes instead a crucible of secrets and seduction. It’s a gripping read that demands to be devoured.
June 28, 2025
The narrative dances on a razor’s edge between passion and paranoia. Mike’s relationship with a married woman, whom he believes is divorced, adds a delicious ambiguity to the story. Is he naïve, or is he escaping into a lie to avoid the bigger truths catching up with him?
There’s a literary undercurrent beneath the thriller: a meditation on how love, guilt, and survival twist our morality. Think Blue Velvet with a tennis racket, or True Detective with surfboards and subpoenas. It's crime fiction with something real to say
There’s a literary undercurrent beneath the thriller: a meditation on how love, guilt, and survival twist our morality. Think Blue Velvet with a tennis racket, or True Detective with surfboards and subpoenas. It's crime fiction with something real to say
June 28, 2025
What makes this book so immersive is its refusal to offer easy answers. Emily’s disappearance is a mystery, yes, but it’s also a mirror reflecting Mike’s deeper fears: of failure, of guilt, of losing control. It’s a story that asks whether we ever really escape the people we used to be.
The cartel element is handled with chilling subtlety, suggesting a wider world of violence just beneath the surface. Fans of No Country for Old Men or Sicario will appreciate the quiet dread that permeates every chapter.
The cartel element is handled with chilling subtlety, suggesting a wider world of violence just beneath the surface. Fans of No Country for Old Men or Sicario will appreciate the quiet dread that permeates every chapter.
June 28, 2025
The juxtaposition of high-end tennis culture with cartel violence is surprisingly effective. Mike Hepp’s world is one of privilege and polish, but it’s rapidly overtaken by grime, blood, and betrayal. The narrative transition is seamless and brutal, like watching a luxury car drive off a cliff in slow motion.
And yet, the book remains intimate, even poetic at times. It's less about solving the mystery and more about surviving it. If you love gritty, character-first thrillers like The Dry by Jane Harper or Defending Jacob, this one will stay with you.
And yet, the book remains intimate, even poetic at times. It's less about solving the mystery and more about surviving it. If you love gritty, character-first thrillers like The Dry by Jane Harper or Defending Jacob, this one will stay with you.
July 7, 2025
This novel was an intense, atmospheric thriller that kept me turning pages long into the night. Mike Hepp is a deeply flawed but relatable protagonist, and his descent into suspicion and danger felt realistic and heartbreaking. The tension between him and the law, the cartel, and even himself was brilliantly handled.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys crime stories with morally complex characters. The pacing and suspense are pitch perfect.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys crime stories with morally complex characters. The pacing and suspense are pitch perfect.
June 25, 2025
Mike’s job with the Pasadena Racketeers paints him as an everyman, not some hardened action hero. That’s what makes his spiral into danger so gripping—you watch a regular guy slowly lose everything familiar. His fall feels believable, and it’s what keeps you emotionally invested throughout the chaos.
June 25, 2025
Mike Hepp’s life spirals fast from tennis courts to cartel crosshairs. When an old flame vanishes after a brutal encounter, Mike becomes the prime suspect. With law enforcement closing in and danger lurking at every turn, this story grips with tension, heartbreak, and gritty realism.
Recommended for readers who love fast-paced crime thrillers with emotional depth and high stakes.
Recommended for readers who love fast-paced crime thrillers with emotional depth and high stakes.
July 7, 2025
The story of Mike Hepp had me hooked from the first chapter. The fight with Paullie, Emily’s disappearance, and the mounting suspicion were woven together masterfully. I particularly liked how the beach house became both a refuge and another trap.
Fans of noir thrillers will love the grit and emotional weight of this book. Definitely worth reading.
Fans of noir thrillers will love the grit and emotional weight of this book. Definitely worth reading.
July 7, 2025
What an incredibly tense and human story. Mike Hepp is no hero, but you can’t help but root for him as his world spirals out of control. The cartel element adds real danger, while his choices keep you wondering what he’ll do next.
Highly recommended for those who like thrillers with depth and nuance.
Highly recommended for those who like thrillers with depth and nuance.
December 21, 2025
The Cop Guy is a fast-paced, gritty SoCal thriller that grabs you and doesn’t let go. Mark Barkawitz delivers sharp dialogue, high tension, and nonstop twists as Mike Hepp is pulled into a dangerous spiral of cartels, corruption, and bad decisions. Sun-soaked beaches collide with dark consequences in a story that feels raw, real, and impossible to put down.
June 25, 2025
A missing woman. A cartel enforcer. A mistaken identity. Mike's summer escape to Surfside turns into a chaos-filled maze of accusations and betrayal. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, another twist lands.
A must-read for fans of twisty crime fiction and unpredictable plotlines.
A must-read for fans of twisty crime fiction and unpredictable plotlines.
June 25, 2025
A missing woman. A cartel enforcer. A mistaken identity. Mike's summer escape to Surfside turns into a chaos-filled maze of accusations and betrayal. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, another twist lands.
A must-read for fans of twisty crime fiction and unpredictable plotlines.
A must-read for fans of twisty crime fiction and unpredictable plotlines.
June 25, 2025
Everyone has something to hide—Mike, his lovers, and the people chasing him. As secrets unravel, so does his grip on reality. Is he a villain, a victim, or just caught in the crossfire?
Recommended for those who love psychological tension with their action and mystery.
Recommended for those who love psychological tension with their action and mystery.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews