What do you think?
Rate this book
Nothing Left to Prove
He landed his dream job pursuing the guilty, but two decades of horrific violence and a steady stream of death left him scarred…
From a stint at the notorious county jail to a decade on the streets of South Los Angeles, to going undercover before making the grade in the elite homicide bureau, former L.A. County Sheriff’s detective Danny R. Smith put his life on the line for twenty-one years.
His career covered some of L.A.’s darkest hours: a crack cocaine epidemic, unprecedented gang warfare, a spike in homicides that stunned the nation, flames lighting the skies while gunfire rang through the nights during the Rodney King riots. There were deadly encounters: fights, pursuits, shootings, and a beating that left him unconscious. A confrontation with a murderous gangster in a dark alley, where only the miraculous malfunction of a fully automatic weapon saved his life.
Hardened by the years spent on the streets and the hundreds of deaths and untold numbers of tragedies he would witness, Smith’s frustrations with a dysfunctional system weighed heavily, and his continued pledge to see justice for the victims came at an astronomical personal cost.
In this no-holds-barred memoir, Smith reveals the shocking imagery of fallen colleagues, murdered children, gang warfare, and a Native American who was tortured and burned alive by skinheads. And through his unique insights battling PTSD and being forced to leave the profession he loved, his story will offer new insight into the aftermath of working in law enforcement.
Nothing Left to Prove is by turns shocking, terrifying, poignant, and thought-provoking. It’s the very personal story of one man’s career and its effect on his life afterwards, unveiled through Smith’s masterful storytelling. If you think you know cops, if you love compelling true-crime stories, then you’ll love Danny R. Smith’s powerful narrative.
From a stint at the notorious county jail to a decade on the streets of South Los Angeles, to going undercover before making the grade in the elite homicide bureau, former L.A. County Sheriff’s detective Danny R. Smith put his life on the line for twenty-one years.
His career covered some of L.A.’s darkest hours: a crack cocaine epidemic, unprecedented gang warfare, a spike in homicides that stunned the nation, flames lighting the skies while gunfire rang through the nights during the Rodney King riots. There were deadly encounters: fights, pursuits, shootings, and a beating that left him unconscious. A confrontation with a murderous gangster in a dark alley, where only the miraculous malfunction of a fully automatic weapon saved his life.
Hardened by the years spent on the streets and the hundreds of deaths and untold numbers of tragedies he would witness, Smith’s frustrations with a dysfunctional system weighed heavily, and his continued pledge to see justice for the victims came at an astronomical personal cost.
In this no-holds-barred memoir, Smith reveals the shocking imagery of fallen colleagues, murdered children, gang warfare, and a Native American who was tortured and burned alive by skinheads. And through his unique insights battling PTSD and being forced to leave the profession he loved, his story will offer new insight into the aftermath of working in law enforcement.
Nothing Left to Prove is by turns shocking, terrifying, poignant, and thought-provoking. It’s the very personal story of one man’s career and its effect on his life afterwards, unveiled through Smith’s masterful storytelling. If you think you know cops, if you love compelling true-crime stories, then you’ll love Danny R. Smith’s powerful narrative.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 8, 2021
210 people are currently reading
706 people want to read
About the author
Danny R. Smith
17 books109 followersDanny R. Smith spent 21 years with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the last seven as a homicide detective. He now lives in Idaho where he works as a private investigator and consultant. He is blessed with a beautiful family and surrounded by an assortment of furry critters whom he counts among his friends.
Danny is the author of the Dickie Floyd Detective Novel series and the Rich Farris Detective series. He writes about true crime and other topics in his blog, The Murder Memo.
He has appeared as an expert on numerous podcasts and shows including True Crime Daily and the STARZ channel’s WRONG MAN series, and is the host of Unsolved Murders with Danny Smith on the Dr. Carlos Crime Network podcast.
Danny is a member of the Idaho Writers Guild and the Public Safety Writers Association.
Be sure to follow Danny on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/danny...
Danny is the author of the Dickie Floyd Detective Novel series and the Rich Farris Detective series. He writes about true crime and other topics in his blog, The Murder Memo.
He has appeared as an expert on numerous podcasts and shows including True Crime Daily and the STARZ channel’s WRONG MAN series, and is the host of Unsolved Murders with Danny Smith on the Dr. Carlos Crime Network podcast.
Danny is a member of the Idaho Writers Guild and the Public Safety Writers Association.
Be sure to follow Danny on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/danny...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 5, 2021
I received a review copy from the author at my request and this is my honest opinion. What an emotionally powerful read. Mr. Smith takes the reader into the depths and heights of the world of law enforcement. No current, ex, or family of law enforcement can read this memoir and be untouched by it. It too accurately reveals the world they inhabit to be discounted and the word pictures Mr. Smith draws are too powerful to be ignored. The reader is inexorably drawn into the fray with the inhabitants of his world. The good, the bad, the ugly, the desperate, the sublime, and the down-right idiotic are all shown here in living color. It is a book you aren't likely to forget anytime soon.
September 6, 2021
Nothing Left to Prove is a gritty, gut-wrenchingly honest and compelling look at the inside of the life of a law enforcement officer. This author pulls no punches as he lays bare the violence and horrific atrocities that took place during his career. He holds nothing back as he relates the toll that life in law enforcement can take on those who swear to protect the innocent. Fortunately for readers, his background led him to his writing career which we all benefit from. Danny R. Smith truly has Nothing Left to Prove.
I read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book with no obligation.
I read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book with no obligation.
September 17, 2021
A riveting Law Enforcement memoir you'll never forget
NOTHING LEFT TO PROVE is one of the best, and my favorite, law enforcement memoirs that I have read. Since the 1960's, my reading of more than one hundred law enforcement memoirs inspired me to join the police profession in Los Angeles County. Now, as a retired officer with more than thirty years of personal experience, they continue to interest me.
NOTHING LEFT TO PROVE, resonates with reality, unlike many others. I read this book with a consuming interest; so much, that I did not want to put it down. Smith's path to become a deputy sheriff, like so many of us, evolved from simple beginnings in service-related jobs. He developed his best law enforcement skills in vastly different assignments from the massive Men's Central County Jail, on of the largest jails in the world, the the fast Firestone Station, historically one of the highest crime rate stations in L.A. County. He finished his career in the specialized assignments of the Metro Detail and Homicide. He served in these positions when homicide rates in Los Angeles County reached their apogee.
NOTHING LEFT TO PROVE elicits and abundance of emotions resulting from crime, suspects, and victims that weigh heavily on the mind, hear, and soul.
NOTHING LEFT TO PROVE is one of the best, and my favorite, law enforcement memoirs that I have read. Since the 1960's, my reading of more than one hundred law enforcement memoirs inspired me to join the police profession in Los Angeles County. Now, as a retired officer with more than thirty years of personal experience, they continue to interest me.
NOTHING LEFT TO PROVE, resonates with reality, unlike many others. I read this book with a consuming interest; so much, that I did not want to put it down. Smith's path to become a deputy sheriff, like so many of us, evolved from simple beginnings in service-related jobs. He developed his best law enforcement skills in vastly different assignments from the massive Men's Central County Jail, on of the largest jails in the world, the the fast Firestone Station, historically one of the highest crime rate stations in L.A. County. He finished his career in the specialized assignments of the Metro Detail and Homicide. He served in these positions when homicide rates in Los Angeles County reached their apogee.
NOTHING LEFT TO PROVE elicits and abundance of emotions resulting from crime, suspects, and victims that weigh heavily on the mind, hear, and soul.
November 7, 2021
This book provides great insight into the life of a cop. It will help you see that today’s rhetoric regarding police is inaccurate for 99.9 percent of the men and women who choose to serve! You will see the danger they put themselves in each and everyday that they put the uniform on and the impact it has on them physically and mentally.
September 22, 2021
Excellent law enforcement memoir.
Compelling history of a professional homicide investigator as told by him. From his training through his his more than twenty years of experience of dealing with numerous murders in los Angeles he tells a compelling story.
Compelling history of a professional homicide investigator as told by him. From his training through his his more than twenty years of experience of dealing with numerous murders in los Angeles he tells a compelling story.
October 12, 2021
Great read by a great friend
Danny does an amazing job of exposing his personality in his writing. The subject matter would be engrossing no matter who wrote it, but Danny makes it PERSONAL.
This is a MUST
read.
Danny does an amazing job of exposing his personality in his writing. The subject matter would be engrossing no matter who wrote it, but Danny makes it PERSONAL.
This is a MUST
read.
October 6, 2021
True story
Written by a retired Los Angeles county sheriff’s deputy it offers insight into the real life of a law enforcement officer. Scary good.
Written by a retired Los Angeles county sheriff’s deputy it offers insight into the real life of a law enforcement officer. Scary good.
November 7, 2021
Enjoyed the tar-fire out of this book. Author always delivers a fun, action packed book. Well done Danny R. Smith.
December 30, 2021
Exciting and nail biting. One of my favorite memoirs.
November 7, 2021
A great story about the darkness cops face every day and how it affects them.
It's easy to forget the evil that exists in our society unless you experience it every day. That would be unhealthy for anyone, and this story of one cop's career and it's aftermath prove it. Through this book, I experienced a taste of the depressing world the author worked in, the frustration that frosted each of his days, and the toll the endless battle of good against evil takes on those who fight it.
It's easy to forget the evil that exists in our society unless you experience it every day. That would be unhealthy for anyone, and this story of one cop's career and it's aftermath prove it. Through this book, I experienced a taste of the depressing world the author worked in, the frustration that frosted each of his days, and the toll the endless battle of good against evil takes on those who fight it.
December 28, 2021
Nothing Left To Prove
Wonderful wonderful reading! I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to read this memorable book. Mr Smith has definitely lived a very full life. I also agree that he has a wonderful wife and family. Sometimes what you truly love is also your downfall. I can truly understand how being a police officer in the world we live in today could definitely cause a change in the situation. Thanks for sharing your story with us!!
Wonderful wonderful reading! I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to read this memorable book. Mr Smith has definitely lived a very full life. I also agree that he has a wonderful wife and family. Sometimes what you truly love is also your downfall. I can truly understand how being a police officer in the world we live in today could definitely cause a change in the situation. Thanks for sharing your story with us!!
February 13, 2022
I WALKED THE WALK
Having experienced what Mr Smith writes about brings out poignant memories of how time flies; however the author allows the reader to join him on his journey!
The Dickie Floyd series is worth your time and money to sail through these books and want for more! You will actually sail through these stories as they are filled with both fact and fiction, the characters emote a connection with the reader, leaving you to long for he next novel.
Having experienced what Mr Smith writes about brings out poignant memories of how time flies; however the author allows the reader to join him on his journey!
The Dickie Floyd series is worth your time and money to sail through these books and want for more! You will actually sail through these stories as they are filled with both fact and fiction, the characters emote a connection with the reader, leaving you to long for he next novel.
April 9, 2022
The real deal, vastly entertaining. A story guided by a voice of a convincing nature, with a rough hombre that did the job that few do successfully. Takes strong commitment to want to be a police officer, and those that rise to the top are the reason the bad guys are not in charge. 4 Stars for now as good reads assumed I had finished the book already, which is not the case with this enjoyable account of a true cop.
March 24, 2023
Good career review with insights a cop understands
The book details the life and experiences that those of us wearing the uniform and badge experience on a daily basis. As expressed very clearly by the author, the struggle with some of our administrators complicate an already difficult profession with additional stress and strain that exacerbates the changes the job makes in our lives and families.
Well done!
The book details the life and experiences that those of us wearing the uniform and badge experience on a daily basis. As expressed very clearly by the author, the struggle with some of our administrators complicate an already difficult profession with additional stress and strain that exacerbates the changes the job makes in our lives and families.
Well done!
May 23, 2022
This is an excellent book! I could not put it down once I started reading. Reading through Danny’s memories it made me reflect on many of my own. Those that have been street cops or death investigators will definitely relate to these memories shared in this book. For those that aren’t Danny is telling the reader what it is like to walk in those shoes.
January 4, 2022
Loved this booked. Since I knew/worked with a lot of the people Danny wrote about, I was able visualize the scenes, the conversations etc. This book brought back so many wonderful memories, and a reminder of the ones who sacrificed their lives. Thank you.
February 18, 2022
How does a cop get through the day? How does he survive-mentally and physically? This fascinating memoir by one of LA's finest, addresses these questions and engenders pride and compassion for these oft beleaguered public servants. Great read!
This e-book was received from Goodreads.
This e-book was received from Goodreads.
April 15, 2022
Born To Serve, Born To Write
Smith served during great unrest in California. His bio shows the function and dysfunction within the police department and sheriff's office. The highs and lows give a good view of police work. I won this from Goodreads.
Smith served during great unrest in California. His bio shows the function and dysfunction within the police department and sheriff's office. The highs and lows give a good view of police work. I won this from Goodreads.
June 13, 2022
The highest compliment I can give a book is that I couldn't stop reading it. This is one of those books. It's a wild ride and takes you more than just a ride-along and gives a well rounded view of Mr. Smith's life. This is the best read of the year so far for me.
January 16, 2024
A must read for ANYONE in or out of Law Enforcement!
One heck of a ride! You want to know what the toll is we Death Investigator types pay? This is it. One helluva great read!
Jason Grabill
One heck of a ride! You want to know what the toll is we Death Investigator types pay? This is it. One helluva great read!
Jason Grabill
December 18, 2021
A Must Resd
A real look into the daily life of the law enforcement community. Every politician should have to have this as a must read. Very informative and educative.
A real look into the daily life of the law enforcement community. Every politician should have to have this as a must read. Very informative and educative.
April 12, 2022
Accurate to a fault
I greatly enjoyed gaining insight into the LASD, specifically the way Mr. Smith writes. His mostly dry humor and attention to detail make this a good read.
I greatly enjoyed gaining insight into the LASD, specifically the way Mr. Smith writes. His mostly dry humor and attention to detail make this a good read.
January 19, 2023
Very insightful
Very down to earth writing ....I wonder how many officers will see themselves as affected by PTSD after reading this book.
Very down to earth writing ....I wonder how many officers will see themselves as affected by PTSD after reading this book.
December 21, 2023
Want to know what life as a big city officer is? Read this book
Danny spent 21 years in LASD, practically all of them in fast paced assignments. In particular I enjoyed reading his experiences as a patrol deputy at Firestone Station especially since it was about the same time period my dad was a sergeant at nearby Lynwood Station. (The stations have since been combined into Century Station.)
Danny also relates his experiences investigating high profile cases as a homicide detective but of even more interest are the cases that did not garner significant media attention and the many cases that demonstrate man’s depravity.
Helpful for the reader is Danny’s honesty about the brutality of the cases he investigated, the workload faced by homicide detectives, and the political frustrations of dealing with law enforcement administration that often had other priorities than catching bad guys.
If you’re a cop - read this for the entertaining stories that many will relate to.
If you’re not a cop - read this to get an idea of what officers face. For example, the instance Danny responding to a child not breathing, dealing with the emotion of that call, only to have to go back out in the field and continue his work day when, for anyone else, the day would stop right there.
Danny spent 21 years in LASD, practically all of them in fast paced assignments. In particular I enjoyed reading his experiences as a patrol deputy at Firestone Station especially since it was about the same time period my dad was a sergeant at nearby Lynwood Station. (The stations have since been combined into Century Station.)
Danny also relates his experiences investigating high profile cases as a homicide detective but of even more interest are the cases that did not garner significant media attention and the many cases that demonstrate man’s depravity.
Helpful for the reader is Danny’s honesty about the brutality of the cases he investigated, the workload faced by homicide detectives, and the political frustrations of dealing with law enforcement administration that often had other priorities than catching bad guys.
If you’re a cop - read this for the entertaining stories that many will relate to.
If you’re not a cop - read this to get an idea of what officers face. For example, the instance Danny responding to a child not breathing, dealing with the emotion of that call, only to have to go back out in the field and continue his work day when, for anyone else, the day would stop right there.
August 14, 2022
As a retired cop always on the prowl for realistic, well-written memoirs of life in the police world, "Nothing Left to Prove," more than satisfied. The author speaks from the heart in a tight, organized style, sparkling with details of an exciting, dedicated and exhausting career as an LA County Sheriff. The author, Danny Smith provides a front to back portrait of his life, his aspirations and the people who guided and influenced his career, the officers he worked with and the people he served. He writes brilliantly of work that is hard, frustrating and often dangerous. He brings to the fore his own emotional reactions to the tragedies and horrors that he witnessed and investigated as a long-serving homicide detective. He has a great memory and eye for detail; from his early days in the police academy, to his final exit from a job he loved, and his new life beyond. Years ago, a reviewer of the great cop writer Joseph Wambaugh's debut novel "The New Centurions," wrote, "If you like cops, read this book. If you hate cops, read this book." Danny Smith earns this endorsement as well. You will not be disappointed.
March 13, 2024
Thoughtful Memoir Of A Homicide Detective
I read this memoir after reading the author's series, Dickie Floyd. It was interesting to see how much of that fictional series came from this man's real life. As in his fictional writing, the author tends to sanitize the scenes just enough to not give the reader nightmares. There is no foul language, no sex, and minimal gore. The violence, however, comes with the territory. The bulk of the memoir is the author's life in law enforcement, the good and the bad. After that career, we are along for the ride as he tests out other ways of keeping food on the table and himself out of trouble. I have a feeling he could, as possibly should, write another memoir about being a modern-day cowboy. Even if you have not read his fiction, you will enjoy this memoir which takes place in LA County during an incredible period of time.
I read this memoir after reading the author's series, Dickie Floyd. It was interesting to see how much of that fictional series came from this man's real life. As in his fictional writing, the author tends to sanitize the scenes just enough to not give the reader nightmares. There is no foul language, no sex, and minimal gore. The violence, however, comes with the territory. The bulk of the memoir is the author's life in law enforcement, the good and the bad. After that career, we are along for the ride as he tests out other ways of keeping food on the table and himself out of trouble. I have a feeling he could, as possibly should, write another memoir about being a modern-day cowboy. Even if you have not read his fiction, you will enjoy this memoir which takes place in LA County during an incredible period of time.
September 7, 2022
Beetje beroepsmisvorming en mijn recente liefde voor true crime podcasts. Deze ex-politieagent was op een True crime daily aflevering en sprak over zijn memoires bij o.a. afdeling moordzaken bij de Sheriff department in LA county. Ongelofelijk wat die dagelijks meemaken... Hij heeft het een beetje over de cijfers van moordzaken, zelfmoorden, ... die hij en zijn collega's hebben onderzocht. Dit is volgens mij niet te vergelijken met ons klein België...
De schrijver heeft ook een aantal fictie boeken gebaseerd op zijn ervaringen. Daar gaat ik toch ook eens naar kijken...
De schrijver heeft ook een aantal fictie boeken gebaseerd op zijn ervaringen. Daar gaat ik toch ook eens naar kijken...
September 18, 2024
This is a hard-hitting police memoir that does not rely on overheated drama or artificially enhanced prose to make its point. Smith has a confident, spare writing style that he uses to bring the reader into the life of a law enforcement officer without unnecessary hyperbole. His story shows the physical, mental and emotional toll that those who carry a badge must pay to keep the rest of us safe. Nothing Left to Prove has impact, insight and unforgettable poignancy. I found it hard to put down.
May 28, 2023
Excellent memoir
The author worked in the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for over 20 years, finishing his career as a homicide detective. This memoir describes his career and he includes accounts of both his early life and his life post-retirement. I found the book most interesting. We are fortunate to have people like Mr. Smith to keep the barbarians from the gates and to catch those who do break through.
The author worked in the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for over 20 years, finishing his career as a homicide detective. This memoir describes his career and he includes accounts of both his early life and his life post-retirement. I found the book most interesting. We are fortunate to have people like Mr. Smith to keep the barbarians from the gates and to catch those who do break through.
October 11, 2023
For those of us who lived it, this book will hit home. For those who didn’t live it, it will bring a perspective that very seldom comes out so clear and emotional. I personally rode this roller coaster for 24 years and 100% relate. I was forced to retire on a medical after 3 surgeries and relate strongly to the ‘what the hell do I do now’ feeling. I didn’t understand the emotional toll that career takes on you until after I retired. Do yourself a favor and read this book twice!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews