Close Pursuit

by Carsten Stroud

Describes the experiences of Eddie Kennedy, a New York City homicide detective, over the course of a typical week's duties

Genres: Thriller, True Crime, Crime

352 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 1, 1987

About the author

Carsten Stroud is the author of the New York Times bestseller Close Pursuit, and the award-winning Sniper's Moon, both set in the New York City Police Department. He lives and writes in Thunder Beach, Ontario, Canada.

Awards:
* Arthur Ellis Award Best First Novel (1991): Sniper's Moon
* Arthur Ellis Award Best Novel (1993): Lizardskin

Reviews

[Checkman · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of Carsten Stroud's early books. It follows a New City PD homicide detective in the summer of 1985. Stroud spent that year in New York city following detectives and uniform officers as they responded to radio calls and crime scenes. However the book is a work of fiction based on many different things that happened during the months Stroud was doing his research.

It's an interesting read. It is fictionalized so don't expect a documentary. Meaning there are liberties taken (such as one of the detectives being allowed to carry a Dan Wesson .357 magnum revolver. Not in 1985 in the New York City Police Department. No way.) and Stroud often goes inside the head of both suspect and police officer.

There are also pages set aside for what is basically bitching on the part of the detectives about how things have changed and the world has gone to hell ect. As a police officer I can tell you this is a common activity for cops to engage in. Everything is going to hell and back in the day cops were cops and people had their shit together. Now everything is just a giant cluster. Of course the story takes place twenty-six years ago so where does that put us now? I found these asides amusing, but for those who aren't in the profession it might be either tiresome or distressing depending on one's disposition.

Stroud is a strong writer who excells with atmosphere and characters. I like his characters. He also does very good action set pieces. You might have to look for this book, but if you're a fan of good police procedural it's worth the time and effort.

[Dean Marquis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book 15 yrs ago and I thought it was so good that I wanted to be a cop. I thought that hus writing was gritty. Everything in the book was real so it had to be believable. I haven't read it twice yet ; however, someday soon I will.
In my quest to be a police officer I ended up as far from it as I could get. I have no regrets, I have other works in the offering. The only way i came close to being the detective in the book was to get a black male cat.

[Miguel Galy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably my favourite crime novel. I like how Stroud really makes the reader feel part of the scene.

[Michael Katz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started and put down and will not read, just not to my liking.

[Rob Tripp · Rating 4 out of 5]

You'll feel like you're on the beat with the story's protagonist. Gritty, real.

[Jim Bostjancic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interested in the history of NYC?
A mid 80's take from a meaner tine.
Ed Koch was the mayor.
The "deuce" was where anything goes.
Sirens were incessant.
And the "Big Apple" was also known as a place in the "wild east."

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and insightful book!

I have read many books relating to the nypd a d this one is my favorite! Grabs you straight away and doesn’t let go. Fantastic!!!

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this story is supposed to be a week in the life of a New York City homicide detective, over half is devoted to the peoople of the city who are often referred to with negative sterotypes and racist overtures. If you want rampant racism, this is the book for you.

[Grant Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and fast-paced account of the work of NYPD homicide detectives. As a crime writer, I can honestly say that this was a major influence on my work, along with another Stroud work, “The Blue Wall: Street Cops in Canada.” This guy teaches a masterclass, period.

[Chamie · Rating 1 out of 5]

writing style is horrible,had to quit it at page 14.