Joseph Wambaugh, L.A. Cop Turned Novelist and Screenwriter, Dies at 88

The Hollywood Reporter ^ | February 28, 2025 | Chris Koseluk

[Rummyfan]

I like Michael Connelly's books, Bosch and the follow-on Rene' what's-her-name (sorry, Ballard?). But they are much more procedural whereas Wambaugh was much more human nature oriented. His characters - for example, The Oracle and Flotsam and Jetsam from the Hollywood series - are unforgettable. And as I said, funny and sad and tragic all at the same time. I remember one from a book long ago, a victim, The Madonna of the Wogs. And a cop called The Bad Czech who mangled the English language. And another criminal he called The Mother of the Year. Obviously it made quite an impression if I remember that from twenty five years ago and that's a tribute to the writer.

I also remember some reviewer from decades ago fantasizing about a dinner party with Hugo and Tolstoy and Faulkner and Wambaugh.... and it was the reviewer's opinion that Wambaugh would not be out of place. I agree. JMHO....

[Rummyfan]

And no knock against Connelly, he did his homework as an LA Times crime beat reporter. But again, I find his tales very procedure oriented. And LAPD politics oriented. Again no knock - he’s the guy writing best sellers, I’m just an armchair critic.

[Rummyfan]

Echoes in the Darkness
Line and Shadows
The Onion Field
The Blooding

All great nonfiction crime stories.

[PLMerite]

There’s a scene in The Choirboys that I’ve always thought was hilarious.

Barbara Rhoades sits on the glass coffee table and one of the drunk cops slithers underneath so he can kiss her bottom through the glass.

[L.A.Justice]

I like Michael Connelly's books, Bosch and the follow-on Rene' what's-her-name (sorry, Ballard?).

Yes, indeed...Ballard...

Harry Bosch is now retired from LAPD...But, his daughter Maddie is a patrol officer with LAPD...

[L.A.Justice]

Luckily for me, fate led me into the fire service instead. Rest in peace, Mr. Waumbaugh and thanks for all the good reads.

Have you read the book? It is about an arson investigator who turned out to be an arsonist...

[fidelis]

Yes, it’s a very famous case much studied by those who are fire and arson investigators. Great book.

[L.A.Justice]

The man could write and most of the movies made from them were also good.

Have seen this movie? I saw it once on TV a long time ago...Stacy Keach and Erik Estrada were in the film...

[Rummyfan]

THE CHOIRBOYS was a great book. The movie was a disaster. Wambaugh - like many other writers - became disgusted with the Hollywood process. His response was to write THE GLITTER DOME.

[Rummyfan]

Trying to eat the pressed ham through the wrapper… that phrase has stuck with me for decades! LOL!