Detective First Grade [Hardcover]

Dan Mahoney (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1993

In a debut novel from a retired New York police officer, Detective Second Grade Brian McKenna receives a transfer to a Brooklyn outpost where he finds himself investigating a terrorist kidnapping that snowballs into a lethal showdown. A first novel.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This rollicking first novel charts the adventures of Detective Second Grade Brian McKenna after he is transferred to Brooklyn from his beloved Manhattan as punishment for being a troublemaker. His chances for promotion to First Grade seem remote, until a traffic incident leads to a gun battle, which in turn uncovers a massive cocaine-dealing operation. Things really heat up when the slain, unidentified gunman turns out to be carrying the severed index finger of a wealthy Peruvian known to be held hostage by the Maoist guerrilla organization Sendero Luminoso. Mahoney's ear is flawless and he has a grand sense of humor, particularly where issues of police bureaucracy are concerned--McKenna just can't get a break. Even so, comedy never gets the upper hand: the story is gripping and exciting all the way to a wham-bam stakeout at the end. A retired captain of the NYPD, now a private investigator, Mahoney proves that New York's finest can put pen to paper with terrific results. Joseph Wambaugh, watch out!
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

YA-Veteran NYPD detective Brian McKenna has a knack for spotting concealed weapons, so when he spies a suspected gunman in a Brooklyn housing project, he gives chase. This leads to a gunfight, and the suspect is killed. The trail from the dead man leads to Cuban drug dealers and a hushed-up hostage/ ransom negotiation. Kidnapping and international terrorism are the basis for this fast-paced police procedural. The story is tightly written with realistic situations and colorful dialogue. It abounds in strategic details, but subplots involving McKenna's desire for promotion and his friendship with the Chief of Detectives enrich the plot and rescue it from being too tedious. The only flaw is a lack of well-drawn female characters. The token women are minor-role police officers, occasional wives and girlfriends, and one tough, vengeful terrorist. Once started, this is a book that will keep YAs turning pages.
Penny Stevens, George Mason Library, Fairfax, VA
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 375 pages
• Publisher: St Martins Pr; 1st edition (May 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312092881
• ISBN-13: 978-0312092887
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,138,910 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A fast and entertaining read, true to life, February 6, 2000

By 

Sam McNeal - See all my reviews

This review is from: Detective First Grade (Mass Market Paperback)

I enjoyed this book, partly because of the fact that i served as a detective in the NYPD's major case squad for three and a half years. The procedurual details and even the operational details were well crafted and added to the book's authanticity. The chief of detectives was much like the man i served under and the man refered to as a dog's reproductive organ was a lot like the man who I worked for when I was in the Special Investigations Division. In all, Mahoney's tale of cop life was both authantic and very entertaing. I recomend this book to any former cop(like myself) or anyone who enjoys police fiction

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very entertaining, February 18, 2001

By 

Charlotte Vale-Allen (CT USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Detective First Grade (Mass Market Paperback)

When I find an author new to me, I like to go back to the beginning and read all of his/her books in chronological order. So, with Dan Mahoney, I began with Detective First Grade. A former New York City police captain, Mahoney knows his territory. This is a police procedural for real, without excess flab, and a rivetting plot line. Fine characterizations, clean prose, and slow-but-steady action build to a gratifying climax. My only quibble is with the ending (literally.) Everything is resolved and then, wham! Done. That aside, though, this is a good, solid book and I'm anticipating with pleasure reading all Mr. Mahoney's other books. This book is a definite must-read for those who want an inside look at how a big-city police force sometimes operates.

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating and clever!, June 2, 2009

By 

Miriam Swann "Miri" (Manhattan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Detective First Grade (Mass Market Paperback)

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! The main character, Brian Mckenna, is so likable and clever. Lots of "behind the scenes" peaks at how cops really investigate. Sometimes a little steeped in the details, but it's all so fascinating that it didn't bother me. Unusual climax at the end...great action!