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The Killing Season: A Summer Inside an LAPD Homicide Division
Gaining unprecedented access to the LAPD, crime reporter Miles Corwin shadows two homicide detectives on the mean streets of South Central L.A. Pete "Raz" Razanskas and Marcella Winn were unlikely one a crusty, twenty-two-year veteran of the force; the other a street-smart woman from the 'hood. A graphic, uncensored look at real cops and real killers, THE KILLING SEASON is that rare combination of first-rate reportage and riveting storytelling that will leave you shaken, informed, and blasted awake.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 6, 1997
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424 people want to read
About the author
Miles Corwin
12 books29 followersMiles Corwin, a former Los Angeles Times reporter, is the author of three books. The Killing Season (1997) was a national bestseller. And Still We Rise (2000) was awarded the PEN USA West award for nonfiction. Homicide Special (2004) was a Los Angeles Times bestseller. He graduated from UC Santa Barbara and received his M.A. at the University of Missouri School of Journalism.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 18, 2018
Pete Razanskas tells a humorous tale about a man being killed. According to "Raz" an armed robber came into a store but his weapon was a play gun. He demanded the money and the owner pulled his real gun and shot the robber, wounding him. The robber then grabbed the cash register and ran out of the store. He discovered in short order that the cash drawer had fallen out so angry, he returns to the store brandishing his fake gun whereupon the owner shoots him again, this time fatally.
The man died from terminal stupidity.
Other than that there isn't a lot of humor in this book.
In the summer of 1994 Miles Corwin rode along with Razanskas and Marcella Winn, Raz being a supervising homicide detective in the South Central section of Los Angels with a trainee homicide detective.
The streets of South Central are filled with gangs and good people; blacks, Hispanics and a few whites, and all too often those people wind up dead on those same streets. There are killings due to turf wars between rival gangs, robbery victims who didn't move fast enough, drive by shootings where the wrong person was hit, and other assorted tragedies. South Central is the homicide capital of the L.A. area.
Corwin is alongside the two detectives and others as well as the look at bodies lying on the ground, inspect bullet casing, trajectories of rounds, interview witnesses, attend autopsies and other assorted fun events.
Corwin presents us with two vastly different individuals but both quite good at their jobs. Winn grew up in South Central, a black girl who stayed away from the gangs, graduated high school and went on to study law. Bored, she quit school and became a cop and a damned good one. Her supervisors noted her abilities and she rose quickly through the ranks until the opportunity to train for Homicide.
Razanskas was a veteran having served on the LAPD for over 20 years, most of that in Homicide in the South Central. He borders the edge of burn out but still maintains a high level of competence on the street. He also has a reputation with the citizens who have learned to trust him and that he will do his best to find those that killed the victim, something that those loved ones appreciate. Raz acts like a redneck though he is Lithuanian, raised in Venezuela and emigrated to the U.S. He wears cowboy boots and has a Marlboro Man type mustache and dips snuff. He goes hunting one a year in Wyoming and that helps to keep him sane.
He is a prankster and tells ethnic jokes which Winn isn't appreciative of. In spite of ruffled feathers she values Raz's guidance and he values her drive.
Corwin gives us many statistics but far from making this text dry and boring, it adds context to the story of South Central. He discusses the whys of the riots that happened during that era and the attitude of aggression that prevailed in the department at one time which led to a feeling of distrust and worse toward the department from the people they were paid to serve and protect.
This book isn't a whitewash of gangs nor is it a condemnation of the police. It is a fair telling of what goes on and why and the toll it takes on both the citizens of the area and the cops detailed to find the killers.
Well written and a very interesting telling of recent history in one of America's most violent neighborhoods. It's well worth reading.
The man died from terminal stupidity.
Other than that there isn't a lot of humor in this book.
In the summer of 1994 Miles Corwin rode along with Razanskas and Marcella Winn, Raz being a supervising homicide detective in the South Central section of Los Angels with a trainee homicide detective.
The streets of South Central are filled with gangs and good people; blacks, Hispanics and a few whites, and all too often those people wind up dead on those same streets. There are killings due to turf wars between rival gangs, robbery victims who didn't move fast enough, drive by shootings where the wrong person was hit, and other assorted tragedies. South Central is the homicide capital of the L.A. area.
Corwin is alongside the two detectives and others as well as the look at bodies lying on the ground, inspect bullet casing, trajectories of rounds, interview witnesses, attend autopsies and other assorted fun events.
Corwin presents us with two vastly different individuals but both quite good at their jobs. Winn grew up in South Central, a black girl who stayed away from the gangs, graduated high school and went on to study law. Bored, she quit school and became a cop and a damned good one. Her supervisors noted her abilities and she rose quickly through the ranks until the opportunity to train for Homicide.
Razanskas was a veteran having served on the LAPD for over 20 years, most of that in Homicide in the South Central. He borders the edge of burn out but still maintains a high level of competence on the street. He also has a reputation with the citizens who have learned to trust him and that he will do his best to find those that killed the victim, something that those loved ones appreciate. Raz acts like a redneck though he is Lithuanian, raised in Venezuela and emigrated to the U.S. He wears cowboy boots and has a Marlboro Man type mustache and dips snuff. He goes hunting one a year in Wyoming and that helps to keep him sane.
He is a prankster and tells ethnic jokes which Winn isn't appreciative of. In spite of ruffled feathers she values Raz's guidance and he values her drive.
Corwin gives us many statistics but far from making this text dry and boring, it adds context to the story of South Central. He discusses the whys of the riots that happened during that era and the attitude of aggression that prevailed in the department at one time which led to a feeling of distrust and worse toward the department from the people they were paid to serve and protect.
This book isn't a whitewash of gangs nor is it a condemnation of the police. It is a fair telling of what goes on and why and the toll it takes on both the citizens of the area and the cops detailed to find the killers.
Well written and a very interesting telling of recent history in one of America's most violent neighborhoods. It's well worth reading.
July 6, 2017
A well-made journalistic, researched account from Miles Corwin. The decision to focus on a pair of detectives - the scrappy, determined rookie Winn and the experienced old-timer Raz - gives the book a well-honed sense of continuity and familiarity which carries it through the hectic, almost random assortment of cases and background information any good look at a homicide department should give. Unfortunately, much like Corwin's other book Homicide Special, this book suffers by comparison to the prime competitor in its field - David Simon's seminal Homicide. Corwin is a good writer, an excellent newspaperman, but he simply does not carry the lyrical and emotional intensity of this heavyweight competitor and when you're speaking about substantially similar subject matter, it's one of the things that really sticks out.
June 20, 2017
A very well presented memoir depicting life inside LAPD. The author has written a fantastic series of case studies alongside the procedural aspects to demonstrate how these atrocities affect the average working class citizens whose lives are completely torn apart suddenly by the murder of their spouses, children, and family members.
I read this title to understand the way in which homicide investigators in the US differ from those in the UK and feel I now have a more intimate knowledge.
I highly recommend this deeply accessible portrait into homicide investigation.
I read this title to understand the way in which homicide investigators in the US differ from those in the UK and feel I now have a more intimate knowledge.
I highly recommend this deeply accessible portrait into homicide investigation.
January 8, 2018
True Grit
A frank and insightful view, of the determination and professionalism, of a small group of talented homicide detectives. This boom shows the insanity of gang crime and urban decay in South Central L.A.
A frank and insightful view, of the determination and professionalism, of a small group of talented homicide detectives. This boom shows the insanity of gang crime and urban decay in South Central L.A.
May 2, 2018
life on the last streets is cheap people getting killed every day especially young black gang bangers and being a murder detective is hard work as no one saw anything and no one wants to talk to the police a fascinating book following 2 detectives over a summer killing season
April 26, 2024
Great journalism piece shining light on such an important subject that often gets lost. Does amazing at depicting life inside the LAPD and absolutely LOVED Winn in this piece. very street smart woman and contributed well to the piece and this career.
December 7, 2017
Older book that delves into the inner workings of the LAPD homicide division.
February 17, 2018
Excellent
Really interesting read, I don't envy the job these guys do but I suppose somebody has to do it .
Really interesting read, I don't envy the job these guys do but I suppose somebody has to do it .
December 10, 2019
It gave me a B in class
September 21, 2024
I found this to be one of the best non fiction book about life in South-Central LA. The victims, families and detectives were brought to life.
July 21, 2011
It's been a while since I read a non-fiction cop book, and I chose a good one. The author profiles a detective team in L.A.'s South Central neighborhood, one of the most notorious for homicides, especially during the summer, hence the title 'The Killing Season'. The two detectives are Razanskas ('Raz'), a multi-ethnic light-skinned male veteran of the Homicide Division, and Winn, a black female detective trainee who has worked her way up through the ranks of the LAPD. The race is important, as South Central is a primarily low-income minority neighborhood with a history of conflict with whites, particularly those in authority positions. By having Winn, who grew up in the area and is a tough, no-nonsense woman, on the team, there is the potential for her to be able to get more out of witnesses who are either afraid of or defiant against the other officers and detectives who are by and large white.
Corwin also does an excellent job decribing South Central, including a brief description of the Rodney King beating and ensuing riots, which paints a very clear picture of what the police face every day. Homicide investigations led by Raz and Winn comprise the majority of the book, most of which involve a black male victim with ties to gangs, drugs, or both, and few willing witnesses to aid in the investigation for fear of retribution if they're seen talking to the police. Raz's experience helps him find clues at the crime scenes that others miss, and he makes sure to point them out to Winn so she can become the fine detective that Raz believes she has the potential for. The book does point out the sad reality of the homicide investigation process, that even with Raz's knack for finding evidence, without witnesses and enough solid evidence, most of the cases go unsolved. Even those that appear likely to result in a suspect going to jail often also fall apart before trial when willing witnesses are themselves killed for talking to the cops or back out of testifying.
When not following the two detectives, Corwin also makes time to visit a victims' support group and tell the story of one greiving mother whose son was gunned down in a case of mistaken identity. He uses all real names in the book and makes the effort to include as much detail as possible on victims and supects so readers get a complete picture of the reality of South Central. The epilogue is a nice touch, as Corwin updates on the outcomes of cases which occurred that summer but were resolved afterwards as well as where the two detectives and some of there collegues are 'now', with 'now' being a couple years after he shadowed them.
Corwin also does an excellent job decribing South Central, including a brief description of the Rodney King beating and ensuing riots, which paints a very clear picture of what the police face every day. Homicide investigations led by Raz and Winn comprise the majority of the book, most of which involve a black male victim with ties to gangs, drugs, or both, and few willing witnesses to aid in the investigation for fear of retribution if they're seen talking to the police. Raz's experience helps him find clues at the crime scenes that others miss, and he makes sure to point them out to Winn so she can become the fine detective that Raz believes she has the potential for. The book does point out the sad reality of the homicide investigation process, that even with Raz's knack for finding evidence, without witnesses and enough solid evidence, most of the cases go unsolved. Even those that appear likely to result in a suspect going to jail often also fall apart before trial when willing witnesses are themselves killed for talking to the cops or back out of testifying.
When not following the two detectives, Corwin also makes time to visit a victims' support group and tell the story of one greiving mother whose son was gunned down in a case of mistaken identity. He uses all real names in the book and makes the effort to include as much detail as possible on victims and supects so readers get a complete picture of the reality of South Central. The epilogue is a nice touch, as Corwin updates on the outcomes of cases which occurred that summer but were resolved afterwards as well as where the two detectives and some of there collegues are 'now', with 'now' being a couple years after he shadowed them.
April 3, 2009
I found this book in the Teen Section. I really liked the fact that the motive for the book was that the LA reporter couldn't believe no one really cared if people died in South Central LA or not.
Also, it is refreshing that he doesn't tend to "have a drum to beat" in this. He doesn't sugar coat the touchy issues like the Rodney King incident. He is able to reflect things as they are. Compassion for gangsters, especially young ones, and still who they are is hardened killers. That is the paradox?
There is not a moral to the story. There is not a good or bad ending. It is an informative book that includes families of victims experiences, as well as the gangster's family, and of course the police.
I have to say that my favorite "charachter" is Raz, he is so totally politically incorrect! He ribs and teases everyone merclessly, from the LT to his new female black partner. It's so refreshing.
Also, it isn't a "dry" book, and so when explaining the police procedures etc, it informs those who are interested in what goes on in detective work in general. Much better than those CSI programs, which I totally like to consume at times.
Finally, the history of how the games came about. Why the LAPD has such a bad rep (way before Rodney king) and so forth.
PLUS how many books can you find to read that reads as entertainment, but doesn't sensationalize ?
Also, it is refreshing that he doesn't tend to "have a drum to beat" in this. He doesn't sugar coat the touchy issues like the Rodney King incident. He is able to reflect things as they are. Compassion for gangsters, especially young ones, and still who they are is hardened killers. That is the paradox?
There is not a moral to the story. There is not a good or bad ending. It is an informative book that includes families of victims experiences, as well as the gangster's family, and of course the police.
I have to say that my favorite "charachter" is Raz, he is so totally politically incorrect! He ribs and teases everyone merclessly, from the LT to his new female black partner. It's so refreshing.
Also, it isn't a "dry" book, and so when explaining the police procedures etc, it informs those who are interested in what goes on in detective work in general. Much better than those CSI programs, which I totally like to consume at times.
Finally, the history of how the games came about. Why the LAPD has such a bad rep (way before Rodney king) and so forth.
PLUS how many books can you find to read that reads as entertainment, but doesn't sensationalize ?
October 9, 2012
A decent true crime book following two detectives assigned to South Central over one summer in the mid-nineties and showing what an uphill battle both they and the residents of South Central face in relation to the violence that affects the lives there. In an environment where a couple of homicides can occur an evening, in addition to the over-abundance of cases and mountains of paperwork the detectives are struggling through they also face scared witnesses refusing to cooperate, young people immersed in gang culture, strained relations between residents and the LAPD, and a media and wider population that seems happy to ignore the problems, as long as they’re confined to the ghetto.
Giving a face and voice to some of the forgotten victims and perpetrators of these crimes, I’d be interested to see how things have changed in the intervening years and, if they have, whether it’s for better or for worse…
Giving a face and voice to some of the forgotten victims and perpetrators of these crimes, I’d be interested to see how things have changed in the intervening years and, if they have, whether it’s for better or for worse…
May 31, 2012
After becoming hooked on the brilliant Southland - Season 1 [DVD] [2009]it was only natural that this book would appeal. Miles Corwin expertly documents the world of the LAPD detective and the senseless killings that define the South-Central area of Los Angeles. Following a veteran detective- the wonderful Pete Razanskas- and his feisty new partner Marcella Winn- we gain a real insight into the crippling hours, an severely under-funded police department and the physical and emotional effects of this environment, not only on the police officers but also on the the victims of crime and the perpetrators themselves. A truly powerful slice of social commentary but replete with mordant wit and an essential humanity.
November 18, 2016
Great read for anyone wanting an inside view into homicide investigation.
A few fundamentals are pretty different to how we do it in NZ, but many of the basics are the same.
Really interesting to read up on one of the first homicides handled by the rookie detective, Winn, which was overturned years later and resulted in the alleged offenders being paid out big money.
Looking at the massive pressure these detectives operate under, it is easy to see how mistakes can be made-they simply didn't have the resources to give each case the attention they truly deserve.
Well written and I would recommend it to anyone wanting a "true life" read.
A few fundamentals are pretty different to how we do it in NZ, but many of the basics are the same.
Really interesting to read up on one of the first homicides handled by the rookie detective, Winn, which was overturned years later and resulted in the alleged offenders being paid out big money.
Looking at the massive pressure these detectives operate under, it is easy to see how mistakes can be made-they simply didn't have the resources to give each case the attention they truly deserve.
Well written and I would recommend it to anyone wanting a "true life" read.
March 15, 2015
I read this because I enjoyed the book Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets, and this is similarly written by a journalist who embedded himself into a homicide department ... this time in the LA South Central Homicide department for one summer. This is not as good as Homicide, but I do highly recommend it. It mainly follows around two detectives, so it is more narrative and easier to follow than Homicide, which is a plus. In the shadows of the Rodney King incident this gives a comprehensive yet non-sensational portrayal of the busiest homicide department in the US.
November 21, 2010
I was annoyed to buy this and find that it was about fifteen years old, focusing on the LA gang culture and following two detectives who were involved in trying to solve the cases spilling out of the annual summer murder spree in the city. Cashing in on the success of "The Wire", it didn't live up to the TV series as far as I was concerned, although I felt that had it been even remotely contemporary I would have persevered with it.
December 24, 2013
Miles Corwin takes a closer look at crime in South Central LA, an inner-city neighborhood filled with gang violence and grieving families. He joins homicide detectives Razanskas and Winn on their investigations and interviews many victims. He writes about the crimes in a national context as well--Rodney King, the prison system and the Watts riots. It's a fast read, as well as a fair representation of socio-economic issues.
June 15, 2015
A reporter follows two LAPD detectives through one summer in South-Central LA and recounts the numerous murders investigated.
It took some time to get into this book, the number of different crimes / criminals was confusing at the start, but overall a very effective / thought provoking / depressing piece of reporting on the violence in an area of LA that no ones seems interested in. The stories of the victims and perpetrators were mostly very sad – a tale of wasted lives.
It took some time to get into this book, the number of different crimes / criminals was confusing at the start, but overall a very effective / thought provoking / depressing piece of reporting on the violence in an area of LA that no ones seems interested in. The stories of the victims and perpetrators were mostly very sad – a tale of wasted lives.
January 8, 2008
Again another book for research but the author does a great job of revealing the human side of law enforcement, the victims, the defendants, the witnesses and the family of the victims. It's very bittersweet and heart breaking at times. But he throws in the humor along with the struggle of solving and convicting crimes.
June 16, 2013
An alternate title might be, "Hardworking Cops Cleaning up Destruction Caused by Thugs," or, "Depressing Results from Neglecting Children."
I loved and respect the two cops featured in the book. The unrelenting cycle of senseless violence is incredible and disturbing, and there's no easy solution. A glimpse into another world that's too real for many people.
God bless our homicide detetives!
I loved and respect the two cops featured in the book. The unrelenting cycle of senseless violence is incredible and disturbing, and there's no easy solution. A glimpse into another world that's too real for many people.
God bless our homicide detetives!
April 23, 2015
Took me a while to get into the book, but then once I got around to figure out what was happening, I really enjoyed the stories and the cases. It wasn't just any case, but actual cases and the lives of the detectives. Would be interesting to have a follow up book of the recent happenings of the LAPD and see how detective work has changed or remained the same.
September 8, 2015
Well written docu-drama about life as a homicide detective in south Central, US murder hotspot. I particularly liked the way the author balanced his investigation of 'black-on-black' violence by also writing about 'black-on-black healing' which supports the families of victims and helps communities stand up against gang culture
July 18, 2012
There's a whole bunch a murders in South Central L.A.? Go figure. Decent, well written account of homicide detectives at work. Interesting interaction between partners, old school meets new school etc.
September 3, 2013
I lose interest when one of the character's names is repeated 1-5 times on EVERY SINGLE page. In this case it was the word Razanskas. I think the author might have improved this book by using the short version of it, "Raz," as mentioned when it first appeared. Wouldn't have been so aggravating.
January 25, 2008
a raw look at police work in the LAPD.
Currently reading
October 22, 2008A summer in South Central LA amongst the gangs and the crimes they commit, feels like you are riding along
March 1, 2012
I was hoping for a broad range of homicide cases since it deals with the LAPD homicide division--sadly most of the cases encountered by the two detectives followed were gang-related.
December 31, 2013
mid 90's police book. good read but dated.
November 15, 2015
An excellent book following a veteran LAPD homicide investigator and his trainee and the cases they investigate.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews