The Glitter Dome

The Glitter Dome is a good way to start the Wambaugh adventure. More humor than The Choir Boys and less preaching than the latter. Laughs abound on nearly every page ending the story on a somber note. A delightful read which is episodic, easy to put down when the occasion requires it but easy to pick up later when the schedule allows. Wambaugh's character development and dialogue combine as his strong suit. Nicknames and physical characteristics are a very close second. Collectively, the characters dance before your eyes and tell their stories in a most delightful fashion.

It's easy to tell in reading this book that Joseph Wambaugh and that's what makes this book so enjoyable. Underlying in this book is a mystery story, but primarily this is a book about the lives of different cops within a precinct. There is a lot of wit in the way Wambaugh tells it all, but the reality of the characters themselves and their surroundings is uncanny. This is not one of those police stories where all the cops are either studs with big guns and can shoot at will, or where every cop is a seedy individual. You can imagine these cops being at a downtown precinct in any city. The mystery itself unfolds as seemingly unrelated events that happen to different cops come together. The way these stories come together into one is amusing and realistic as well. Don't pass on this book. I had it for a long time before I read it, and I wish I hadn't taken so long in doing so.

Just because I work for LAPD doesn't make me bias. I hate reading and this book compelled me to finish

This Wambaugh story is about a cop in LA and is not as heavy as some of his other books. It has a great story line and an interesting Hollywood background. I would recommend it as a light read but don't rent the movie - it sucked compared to the book.