This book is a character study of the main characters: Judy Hammer, chief of police in Charlotte, North Carolina; Hammer's deputy, Virginia West; and Andy Brazil, a young reporter assigned to ride with the police as they go about their jobs.
Andy Brazil Series
This series follows the journey of a young reporter who transitions into a police officer, alongside his colleagues in North Carolina and Virginia. It delves into the dynamics between police chiefs, deputies, and rookie cops navigating the complexities of law enforcement. Each installment offers compelling investigations and a glimpse into the lives of those upholding justice in their community.
Recommended Reading Order
Southern Cross - International Edition
- 402 pages
- 15 hours of reading
In their first appearance, Chief Judy Hammer, Deputy Virginia West, and rookie cop Andy Brazil faced a serial killer in Charlotte, North Carolina. Now, they are sent to Richmond, Virginia, to tackle the escalating gang issue and modernize the local police department, armed with a sophisticated computer program for tracking crime. However, they are unprepared for the resentment and the bizarre characters they encounter upon arrival. Among them are Lelia Ehrhart, the wealthy and nosy chair of the Blue Ribbon Crime Commission, whose heavy accent makes her English amusing; Butner "Bubba" Flunk IV, a tobacco worker and UFO enthusiast; Smoke, the sociopathic leader of the Pikes gang; and Weed Gardener, a 14-year-old graffiti artist. Unlike Cornwell's usual thrillers, this narrative focuses on these eccentric personalities and their surreal environment, offering a satire of city politics, Southern culture, and the complex relationship between police and the public. While some elements, like a computer virus affecting police websites, may seem implausible, and the narrative occasionally loses focus with its three main characters, the novel ultimately shines through Cornwell's unique portrayal of police work and the quirky life of Richmond's residents.
Patricia Cornwell's novels of big-city police have taken this classic genre to a new level. Now, with this #1 New York Times bestselling novel, she outdoes herself, with a wry tale of life and turmoil behind the blue wall. Chaos breaks loose when the governor of Virginia orders that speed traps be painted on all streets and highways, and warns that speeders will be caught by monitoring aircraft flying overhead. But the eccentric island of Tangier, fourteen miles off the coast of Virginia in Chesapeake Bay, responds by declaring war on its own state. Judy Hammer, newly installed as the superintendent of the Virginia State Police, and Andy Brazil, a state trooper and Hammer's right hand and confidant, find themselves at their wits' end as they try to protect the public from the politicians-and vice versa-in this pitch-perfect, darkly comic romp.