The Mystery, Crime, and Thriller Group discussion

NYPD Blue, 1 Police Plaza, Kojak, Detective First Grade, Barney Miller, Law & Order, etc., etc...

At some point and time we have all watched or read something that pertained to the nation's largest police department. I'm no different, but I come at it from a different perspective. I grew up in NYC back in what many refer to as the "bad old days" and spent twenty years with the department rising up from police officer to detective and finally sergeant before my retirement in 2005.

Now I am curious about what others think of how the department is portrayed in books and other venues like movie or TV.

Do you have a favorite ? Why ?

For me it's hard because I tend to be hyper-critical. But I am curious as to what others think.

NYPD Blue was one of the best 'cop dramas' ever in my book. Hill Street Blues, while not officially set in NYC had that city's feel to it and was equally good.

In books, I don't think anyone ever matched Ed McBain's 87th Precinct series when it came to New York even though, like Hill Street Blues, it wasn't set in that city.

Blue Bloods is my go to show!!!

Blue Bloods is a good show in my book, too.

But I think the shows and books I cited are more 'realistic' in their portrayal of the NYPD.

I have to admit that I am often very reluctant to watch / read any fictional works regarding the NYPD. No matter how "good" the show or book is, there is generally something that does not happen. Sometimes for me that will simply be detectives from one precinct handling a job at a location that is miles away from where they are assigned. Or my extremely big pet peeve which is equipment. Nothing irks me more than seeing medals improperly displayed. The fact that I am a 'historian' of NYPD insignia doesn't help.

I tend to gravitate towards non-fiction works in terms of NYPD books. Two that I cannot recommended highly enough are Murder at the Harlem Mosque by Sonny Gross (Ret. Detective) and Target Blue by Robert Daley (former Deputy Commissioner). Both works offer an inside look at the job back in the 70's when officers were being target for assassination. Harlem Mosque is particularly disturbing as it paints, in graphic detail, the political aspirations that trumped justice.

Daley also went on to write a number of fictional works regarding the NYPD including Prince of the City and Wall of Brass.

NYPD Blue was overall pretty good in my opinion, but I have yet to watch Blue Bloods although it is on my list as I like Tom Selleck as an actor.

Just thought I would post this information here for anyone who might be interested. I'm offering a free copy of my debut novel, Perfect Pawn, as a Goodreads Giveaway. If you are interested, click here for more information: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

Andrew wrote: "Just thought I would post this information here for anyone who might be interested. I'm offering a free copy of my debut novel, Perfect Pawn, as a Goodreads Giveaway. If you are interested, click h..."

Grabbed it for my Kindle a short time ago, finished it recently, and loved it, Andrew.

Quillracer wrote: "Grabbed it for my Kindle a short time ago, finished it recently, and loved it, Andrew."

Glad you enjoyed it !!