Against the Blue Wall - by Larry Terhaar (Paperback)
About this item
Highlights
- AGAINST THE BLUE WALLA young man is brutally beaten by two cops in suburban New York.
- Author(s): Larry Terhaar
- 266 Pages
- Fiction + Literature Genres, Thrillers
Description
About the Book
In White Plains, New York, a young black man is brutally beaten by the police. When the young man's family demands justice, former police detective Dan Burnett is hired to hold them accountable.
Book Synopsis
AGAINST THE BLUE WALLA young man is brutally beaten by two cops in suburban New York. His only crime? He was born Black.
When the family's attorney contacts private detective Dan Burnett, a former NYPD cop, to investigate, he's initially conflicted by his lifelong loyalty to the police department and the "Blue Wall of Silence."
However, after seeing videos of the beating, he's horrified and searches for the Cop's motivation. As he digs deeper, he discovers an organized group of white supremacists within the local Police Department.
Now, he's all in, and when they try to stop him, Dan fears for the safety of his girlfriend and college-aged daughter. Soon, his fears prove correct, and we're off to a gritty, emotional thriller as Dan attempts to hold these cops accountable while keeping his loved ones alive.
Dan Burnett is on the case again! Filled with memorable characters and a hefty dose of suspense, Larry Terhaar's newest thriller will keep you turning the page.
-Prill Boyle, author of Defying Gravity
Review Quotes
AGAINST THE BLUE WALL: A Dan Burnett Thriller
Posted by Literary Titan
Larry Terhaar's Against The Blue Wall is a gripping and unapologetically raw novel that tackles systemic racism and police brutality with a hard-hitting narrative. The story revolves around the brutal beating of Jerome Jordan, a young Black man, at the hands of two police officers during a routine traffic stop. As the case unfolds, former NYPD detective-turned-private investigator Dan Burnett takes on the task of uncovering the truth. What he finds shakes him to the core, forcing him to confront his own past and the "Blue Wall of Silence" that has protected corrupt officers for decades. With compelling characters and a storyline that mirrors real-world injustices, Terhaar delivers a thriller that is as infuriating as it is necessary.
The author's writing is sharp and relentless, never shying away from the horror of police violence. The opening chapter throws the reader into a stomach-churning scene of unchecked brutality, setting the tone for the rest of the novel. Officer Sean O'Riley is depicted as a man drunk on power, embodying the worst aspects of law enforcement's unchecked authority. His actions are sickening, his thoughts even more so. There's no ambiguity and Terhaar wants you to hate him. The sheer visceral impact of these early pages makes it impossible to look away, much like watching a tragic news story unfold on live television.
Dan Burnett, on the other hand, is a deeply conflicted character. He carries the weight of his thirty years on the force, and while he has always prided himself on doing the right thing, he now faces a test that challenges his loyalty. His internal struggle feels real and heavy, a tug-of-war between his past and his conscience. His interactions with Mia, his new love interest, offer a softer, more introspective side to his character, making him more than just another hard-nosed detective. The novel does a fantastic job balancing the personal and professional stakes, making his journey both heartbreaking and inspiring.
Terhaar structures the story like a crime drama unfolding in real time, and the inclusion of news reports, press conferences, and legal maneuvers keeps the tension high. The media frenzy surrounding Jerome's case feels eerily familiar, echoing real-world incidents that have sparked nationwide protests. Seth Bodner, the attorney representing Jerome's family, is a standout character, he is sharp, passionate, and unwavering in his pursuit of justice. His press conference scene is particularly powerful, a moment that encapsulates the fury and desperation of those fighting against systemic corruption.
Against The Blue Wall is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the realities of police violence and the difficulty of seeking justice within a flawed system. It's perfect for fans of social justice thrillers, true crime enthusiasts, and readers who aren't afraid to confront uncomfortable truths. If you're looking for a book that will challenge you, anger you, and make you think, this one is it.
Pages: 247 ASIN: B0DNKL6388