Crossing the Chalk Line [Paperback]

Steven H. Richardson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1999

This crime novel is about two young deputies and their efforts to bring justice to a small Florida town. Events twist and turn as bodies are discovered and evidence is assembled, eventually leading to the question can and do police do that? It is a story about men who do the wrong things for the right reasons.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"As someone who has been around law enforcement all their life,I could appreciate...the 'stories' within the story." -- Lawton G. Taylor, Jr.

Come along while a cop with 25 years under his belt spins a thriller. There were no unacceptable acts... -- The Book Reader Spring/Summer 2000

I admire the plotting, was not expecting the end and am still not sure that these men should have been seen as guilty, but as an ex lawman, Steven knows that obviously there are no grey areas. -- Ms. Pamela Winfield, author, Surrey, England

I will never forget the story. I have never read a police/mystery novel as unique as yours! The "character development" - I initially thought it was too much - but realized that everything was important to the ending. The characters in the story became "real" and "familiar." -- Peter Sidelko, Belleview, Florida

This book represents a police world most patrolmen recognize, the temptations are present, but the majority remain true to their oath. It was a story I found interesting that played itself out to a not so obvious ending. -- Francis O'Laughlin, Former Sheriff, St.John's Co. Florida

From the Inside Flap

Come along while a cop with 25 years under his belt spins a thriller. The author wore the badge as deputy sheriff in north Florida and he unravels his quarter century of experience, lingo and insight in this murder mystery. What makes this story stick is a thread of fear that his characters will be too effective in the response department. "Both believed that any act or deed by (cops) to suppress and prevent criminal activity was justified. There were no unacceptable acts." The premise is understandable, given the moxie of today's criminal mind and a justice system these guys perceive as Swiss cheese. That's why stories appear about throw-down guns, instant evidence and lie-witnesses. Richardson develops a pair of likeable partners in this page-turner. Both in their '20's, excellent condition, dedicated to the cause. Sidney had college, money and family pedigree. Mark was ex-Marine, more primal, a good street cop with "a strong sense of justice." Then there's Sergeant S.A.M. Washington, the first man of color to achieve that rank in the panhandle town. He, too, was ex-Corps. Richardson weaves-in lady loves, cop shop talk and backwoods mysterious misdeeds. Readers learn to fill their noses with Vicks before entering a homicide scene thick with blowflies, to cover tire tracks and footprints with garbage lids as protection from the rain. And they watch cops avenge murders when technicalities set a killer free. Where do you draw the line? And what if you cross that line?

--The Book Reader Spring/Summer

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 262 pages
• Publisher: Otter Creek Press; First Edition edition (October 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1890611115
• ISBN-13: 978-1890611118
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,452,168 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Crossing the Chalk Line, January 8, 2000

By 

Christopher Benjaman (Jacksonville, Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Crossing the Chalk Line (Paperback)

Although I have been reading novels for nearly 30 years now, I have NEVER read one with such suspence and excitement. This murder mystery is a true a 5 Star winner and is one of the best among our time. Usually when i start a novel i relax with it and take a few days to read it. However, with this novel i finished it the same evening without thinking to put it down. An "On the Edge of your Seat Mystery" ! It is obvious when you read this mystery that the author is a brillant one with many ideas. I happened to meet Mr.Steven Richardson at a book signing and can proudly say that he is both a gentleman and a scholar. I recommend anyone and everyone to go out and buy a copy of this book, or at least take the time to look at the authors summary and make your own decision. I guarantee you WILL NOT be wasting your time.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Crossing the Chalk Line, December 6, 1999

By 

A Customer - See all my reviews

This review is from: Crossing the Chalk Line (Paperback)

Great story line! Steve Richardson was a dedicated law enforcement officer who served his community well. His first hand knowledge of police work shines through in his first novel, Crossing the Chalk Line.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Crossing the Chalk Line, December 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Crossing the Chalk Line (Paperback)

I stayed up until 3AM reading the book - getting page turners disease in the bargain. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.