The Honor Farm [Mass Market Paperback]

John Westermann (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1997

Gone undercover to investigate a suicide in the Honor Farm--a mansion-turned-prison for dirty cops--Long Island police officer Orin Boyd is thrown together with old cohorts and new enemies. But after a second suspicious death takes place on the inside, Boyd finds himself in deep, and unable to protect his wife and daughter on the outside. Now it's time to bust loose and strike back on his own.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

On Long Island, Vietnam vet and Nassau County cop Orin Boyd (returning from Exit Wounds) is still only a uniformed cop, largely because of his frank contempt for authority. Breaking up an apparent assault, Boyd knocks around crooked right-wing State Senator Tommy Cotton (aka "Senator Sewer"). Cotton wants Boyd's head. But Police Commissioner David Trimble has a plan of his own: in exchange for Boyd copping a plea for assault, thus satisfying Cotton, and doing six months in the county's "country club" jail, he'll grant Boyd a gold shield?on the further condition that, while in jail, Boyd investigate the death of Trimble's son, who allegedly hanged himself with one day left in an 18-month sentence. Shortly after Boyd's arrival at the "farm," there's another "suicide" and the surfacing of many motley suspects. The top con there, an ex-PBA leader looking for Boyd's legendary stash of ill-gotten money, begins a computer campaign to dry up Boyd's bank accounts and to frame his wife for embezzlement. Boyd's boat is sunk, his house is torched and his wife and little daughter are stalked by a hit man. Westermann, who worked 20 years as a Long Island cop, brings plenty of colorful detail to the novel and to Boyd, who's smart, funny and not above taking the law into his own hands. The pacing is relentless, and the uncovering of secrets old and new will keep readers glued as they're plunged into a Long Island that's way beyond Levittown.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

After unwittingly assaulting a sleazebag senator, policeman Orin Boyd from Exit Wounds (Soho, 1990) receives a six-month sentence in a luxurious Long Island prison for cops gone wrong, where he investigates the supposed suicide of the police commissioner's only son. Another suicide, punitive manipulations by the senator's minions, attempts to steal loot scammed by Boyd years before, and threats to his family add to the suspense. Police procedural fans will like Westermann's forceful prose, natural wit, and constant action.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Pocket (December 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671871234
• ISBN-13: 978-0671871239
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,499,325 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Unreal (real?) Cops, April 30, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Honor Farm (Hardcover)

A great idea, pulled through with wonderful ideas and nary a stumble. This book should not be judged on its raunchiness, but on its tight development and surprising ideas. It is a joy indeed to read a book that does not tell you in the first ten pages how it will continue. More power to Mr. Westermann and his imagination

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Beyond Expectations, April 13, 2001

By 

Chad M. Supp (Savoy, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Honor Farm (Mass Market Paperback)

I picked this book up at a wholesaler for three bucks. I recognized the author's name from the press for "Exit Wounds", the movie. Needless to say, my expectations were not very high. I was surprised at the depth of character and the layers of plot that Westermann is able to tool into this story. Of course, the hook is that the author has been a real cop for twenty years, but don't let that mislead you. It definitely shows in his writing that he knows his stuff, but Westermann is a true craftsman with words. His pacing, dialogue, and characters are directly on target, telling a story with minimalist narrative (ala James Ellroy). If Westermann was half as good at being a cop, as he is at writing about it, the streets should be very safe in his neighborhood.

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding!, March 30, 2001

By 

Marc R. Slifkin (Milltown, NJ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Honor Farm (Mass Market Paperback)

The perfect follow-on to Exit Wounds. John literally sucks you into the story; you feel Orin's pain, you absolutely hate Roger Smith, and you want to smack George Clarke in the back of his head. Very well written, very engrossing, couldn't put it down. Now, when does the movie come out? Thanks, John!