Chains of Command

by William J. Caunitz

When a young cop is gunned down and later suspected of being a "dirty" officer, the Police Commissioner wants the case shut down, but Detective Lieutenant Matthew Stuart of the NYPD is determined to investigate. Reprint.

Genres: Mystery, Procedural, Crime, Thriller, Fiction

416 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

William J. Caunitz was a New York City Police Department officer who used his own experiences to write best-selling thrillers.

After serving in the United States Marine Corps, and working for an insurance company, he joined the NYPD in his twenties. He first worked as a patrolman, and eventually rose through the ranks to become a Lieutenant, followed by an assignment as a detective squad commander.Caunitz would eventually serve 30 years with the N.Y.P.D.

Caunitz was praised for his "raw authenticity" when describing precinct day-to-day life in his novels, especially for One Police Plaza , which was eventually made into a television movie. His novels usually center around one or two police officers that follow detailed police procedures to solve a crime, and he also used some sensational elements of thrillers.

Caunitz died in 1996 from pulmonary fibrosis. His last novel, Chains of Command, was half-completed at the time of his death and finished by Christopher Newman.

Reviews

[Checkman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written if not totally original police procedural. William Caunitz's last book. He died before completing it and it was finished by Christopher Newman per the family's request.

An N.Y.P.D. Lieutenant is sent into a precinct to be the new "whip" (second in command and basically the man who runs the field ops) of the precinct detectives. But his actual assignment is to investigate the possibility that there are corrupt cops inside the precinct. From there things take off with the beginnings of a large scale drug war between various factions. There are a few twists in the plot though they aren't that hard to see coming if you're paying any attention at all. The story moves along at a good clip and it will keep you turning the page.

All in all "Chains of Command" isn't a bad procedural novel. It has the feel of being part of a series - one that was ended by Mr. Caunitz's death. Like all good series you're never in doubt as to the fact that the protagonist is going to make it. The characters aren't the deepest since the plot is the primary thing. The book has that comfortable television movie feel to it. Good summertime read. Throw it in your travel bag for the waiting at the airport or reading in the motel room.

[Sheldon Lehman · Rating 1 out of 5]

THe author died halfway through writing this book and the rest was ghostwritten. Pity. It had the thread of a good story and it appears like Caunitz was considering a series. But it doesn't feel like it's the same story as when he started it. It is a sequel to Pigtown with the same main character who gets moved to a new precinct by his former girlfriend who is now an assistant PC.

[Cheryl Simmons · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast paced with a lot of police procedural descriptions that I found interesting and informative.

[cmdfv · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this about five years ago. It's a powerful story and gets quite good with its twists and turns. The only reason I give it a 4 is the scattered writing when people are being quoted. The whip said, the guy said, yada yada. At times that can be confusing. It's something I usually enjoy but this just ... annoyed me. But it's still quite well written for that, and has a terible emotional ending that just works.

[Mary Kinietz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for genre study - crimes and capers.

[Bob Box · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read in 1999. A police detective investigating the shooting of a young police officer uncovers a plague of corruption and renegade cops.

[Sharyn Wheatley]

good

[Jeff Siegmund · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting twists and turns. The cartel, mafia, and local drug team are at the center of a power struggle.

[John Stisk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slightly over the top and unlikely plot but saved by brilliant characters and great writing.

[GS Nathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

An excellent procedural based on NYPD's practices, and quite an interesting story overall. Matt Stuart is placed in a precinct that is particularly crime-ridden to investigate the murder of a cop, and in a matter of days discovers an underlying gang war, an unfortunate blackmail and collisions of interest running right up the chain of command. Realistic, grim and possibly true to the milieu it represents, this book is good for a leisurely weekend read. The policemen are the real winners, just as it should be.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book about corruption in the NYPD, the struggles in the streets for respect, organized crime wars and how some can stay above it all and others make tough choices. The author retired from the NYPD after 30 years on The Job. Highly recommended for all who enjoy mystery, intrigue and a good story.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this 1999 NYPD novel - Lt. Matthew Stuart - Pigtown (1995) - is transferred to Harlem's 37th Pct by his former lover, the First Deputy Commissioner, to investigate the reports of dirty cops. He finds cop killers, killer cops, and major drug dealers in conflict.

[Marion Mockridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook narrated by Frank Muller: This has every ingredient a reader could ask for in a story about organized crime gangs and a daring police detective along with a compelling narration.

[Delores Alger · Rating 1 out of 5]

skimmed

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

A police novel about New York City. A gang controls the drug trade in the 37th Precinct. When violence breaks out, Lieutenant Matthew Stuart is sent in to solve the problem.

[Edmond Gaudelli]

I thought that this book was great too. Excellent author with insight into real police work.