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ONE POLICE PLAZA
A nude corpse in a bathtub. Name: Sara Eisinger. Occupation: travel agent.
For Detective Lt. Dan Malone of New York's Fifth Precinct, it's all in a day's work. Until a little gold key in Sara's possession leads him to an after-hours sex club. Until two phone numbers in her address book connect to the CIA. Until he's neck deep in a mystery involving the Israel Mossad, Muslim extremists, the U.S. Army, and the NYPD. Then, from the top, heat comes down hard on Malone to get off the case. But it's already too late-Malone is obsessed. He puts everything on the line--his job, his love, his life--as he unearths a terrifying conspiracy in the core of the department. . .a time bomb of double deals and killer cops that could rip apart the NYPD and the city it's sworn to protect.
For Detective Lt. Dan Malone of New York's Fifth Precinct, it's all in a day's work. Until a little gold key in Sara's possession leads him to an after-hours sex club. Until two phone numbers in her address book connect to the CIA. Until he's neck deep in a mystery involving the Israel Mossad, Muslim extremists, the U.S. Army, and the NYPD. Then, from the top, heat comes down hard on Malone to get off the case. But it's already too late-Malone is obsessed. He puts everything on the line--his job, his love, his life--as he unearths a terrifying conspiracy in the core of the department. . .a time bomb of double deals and killer cops that could rip apart the NYPD and the city it's sworn to protect.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1984
69 people are currently reading
299 people want to read
About the author
William J. Caunitz
22 books16 followersWilliam J. Caunitz was a New York City Police Department officer who used his own experiences to write best-selling thrillers.
After serving in the United States Marine Corps, and working for an insurance company, he joined the NYPD in his twenties. He first worked as a patrolman, and eventually rose through the ranks to become a Lieutenant, followed by an assignment as a detective squad commander.Caunitz would eventually serve 30 years with the N.Y.P.D.
Caunitz was praised for his "raw authenticity" when describing precinct day-to-day life in his novels, especially for One Police Plaza , which was eventually made into a television movie. His novels usually center around one or two police officers that follow detailed police procedures to solve a crime, and he also used some sensational elements of thrillers.
Caunitz died in 1996 from pulmonary fibrosis. His last novel, Chains of Command, was half-completed at the time of his death and finished by Christopher Newman.
After serving in the United States Marine Corps, and working for an insurance company, he joined the NYPD in his twenties. He first worked as a patrolman, and eventually rose through the ranks to become a Lieutenant, followed by an assignment as a detective squad commander.Caunitz would eventually serve 30 years with the N.Y.P.D.
Caunitz was praised for his "raw authenticity" when describing precinct day-to-day life in his novels, especially for One Police Plaza , which was eventually made into a television movie. His novels usually center around one or two police officers that follow detailed police procedures to solve a crime, and he also used some sensational elements of thrillers.
Caunitz died in 1996 from pulmonary fibrosis. His last novel, Chains of Command, was half-completed at the time of his death and finished by Christopher Newman.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
March 4, 2016
I thought I had read more of Mr. Caunitz's books I probably have but it was way before I started keeping track of them.
I really enjoyed going back in time and reading how the police really worked the cases back in the day. I can't even imagine how they managed to do it! Especially in a large place like New York City.
This was a very well written police procedural about a Lt. who is very dedicated to the Job. He has a colorful group of detectives who work for him. They are dedicated but they also like to play around a bit. I'm sure this was how is was back in that era. I loved the dialog between the detectives, the ribbing they gave each other were hilarious, it was all in good fun. This is not a P.C. novel, it was written before that all came into play. So if you are easily offended then this is not the novel for you. This was written by an experience New York city detective and it shows, he understands the way they guys were back then. it was a true "Boy's Club" and it really was in this era.
If you like older police procedurals you'll love this. I'm going to go back try to read some of these older books, they are such a hoot.
I would like to thank MysteriousPress.com/Open Road for providing me with an e-galley of this novel for my honest review.
I really enjoyed going back in time and reading how the police really worked the cases back in the day. I can't even imagine how they managed to do it! Especially in a large place like New York City.
This was a very well written police procedural about a Lt. who is very dedicated to the Job. He has a colorful group of detectives who work for him. They are dedicated but they also like to play around a bit. I'm sure this was how is was back in that era. I loved the dialog between the detectives, the ribbing they gave each other were hilarious, it was all in good fun. This is not a P.C. novel, it was written before that all came into play. So if you are easily offended then this is not the novel for you. This was written by an experience New York city detective and it shows, he understands the way they guys were back then. it was a true "Boy's Club" and it really was in this era.
If you like older police procedurals you'll love this. I'm going to go back try to read some of these older books, they are such a hoot.
I would like to thank MysteriousPress.com/Open Road for providing me with an e-galley of this novel for my honest review.
September 19, 2012
I first read this book years ago, probably shortly after it was published in 1984. It has always been a book I remember reading because the title and author stuck with me for some reason, though if you'd asked me the plot, I couldn't have told you anything about it. Well, now I've re-read it and I have to say my feelings about it have run the gamut from "Why did I bother to remember this?" to "Wow! Now I know why it's stuck with me!"
The great part: It's alive with police jargon that makes dialog crackle with tension and urgency.
The good part: Caunitz handles a large cast of characters well, making each unique and alive. Not a cookie-cutter or cardboard cutout anywhere.
The lousy part: Too many side trips into bedrooms for sex--especially those scenes that feature minor players in the story. Since this book was written in the 80s, when taboos were falling by the wayside, I guess a little more 'incidental' sex is to be expected.
Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-written police procedural.
The great part: It's alive with police jargon that makes dialog crackle with tension and urgency.
The good part: Caunitz handles a large cast of characters well, making each unique and alive. Not a cookie-cutter or cardboard cutout anywhere.
The lousy part: Too many side trips into bedrooms for sex--especially those scenes that feature minor players in the story. Since this book was written in the 80s, when taboos were falling by the wayside, I guess a little more 'incidental' sex is to be expected.
Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-written police procedural.
July 6, 2012
It was a good one; and the devil is in the detail. This guy was an NYPD cop/detective for a career and he seems to have gotten all the little things right.
August 11, 2020
"[...] was down on one knee putting a new clip into his weapon when a spray of slugs tore into his body. His Uzi clammered to the ground. The last thing he saw before he slumped over was his right eye dangling out of its socket, held by a twisted white cord."
I don't have time to conduct a thorough analysis of the crime novels that I have read and determine the percentage of books that start well but then degenerate into an idiotic, ludicrous mess at the end, "enlivened" by a shootout or a massacre that produces geysers of blood, intestines popping out to see the light of day, arms and legs twitching after being separated from the body, eyeballs hanging by a thread, and other yummy cinematic images. I would guess that about 50% of crime novels follow this path.
One Police Plaza by William Caunitz (1984) is a well-known book, the so-called "national bestseller", set up in New York's Fifth Precinct. The beginning is intriguing and captivating. Lieutenant Malone is called to the precinct on his day off because his people caught a homicide that "could be a problem." The deceased is a priest and a transvestite prostitute was with him when he died. Malone "smoothes" the case for the priest's superiors. But this is just a "false start" of the plot, designed to show the pervasive corruption, where paybacks for favors replace the search for truth. I appreciate these layers of the novel; Mr. Caunitz, as an actual detective lieutenant in the New York City Police Department, knows well what he is writing about.
The main plot begins with discovery of a woman's body in a bathtub, in advanced stages of decay. The author titillates the readers by providing gross details of the physical decomposition of human body after death. I really don't mind gore as long as it is not gratuitous. Obviously not the case here.
The woman is an Israeli and connections with CIA are suspected. The author offers the readers another yummy bit: cops are watching an orgy through binoculars. Malone gets a clear warning from someone in the police force to stop the investigation. Being a hero, he carries on working on the case.
We have several cringeworthy, gratuitous sex scenes, very badly written. Sex scenes are extremely difficult to write, the author is certainly aware of this, yet persists, likely in pursuit of the lowest possible denominator for the novel. Towards the end clichés abound:
Two stars.
I don't have time to conduct a thorough analysis of the crime novels that I have read and determine the percentage of books that start well but then degenerate into an idiotic, ludicrous mess at the end, "enlivened" by a shootout or a massacre that produces geysers of blood, intestines popping out to see the light of day, arms and legs twitching after being separated from the body, eyeballs hanging by a thread, and other yummy cinematic images. I would guess that about 50% of crime novels follow this path.
One Police Plaza by William Caunitz (1984) is a well-known book, the so-called "national bestseller", set up in New York's Fifth Precinct. The beginning is intriguing and captivating. Lieutenant Malone is called to the precinct on his day off because his people caught a homicide that "could be a problem." The deceased is a priest and a transvestite prostitute was with him when he died. Malone "smoothes" the case for the priest's superiors. But this is just a "false start" of the plot, designed to show the pervasive corruption, where paybacks for favors replace the search for truth. I appreciate these layers of the novel; Mr. Caunitz, as an actual detective lieutenant in the New York City Police Department, knows well what he is writing about.
The main plot begins with discovery of a woman's body in a bathtub, in advanced stages of decay. The author titillates the readers by providing gross details of the physical decomposition of human body after death. I really don't mind gore as long as it is not gratuitous. Obviously not the case here.
The woman is an Israeli and connections with CIA are suspected. The author offers the readers another yummy bit: cops are watching an orgy through binoculars. Malone gets a clear warning from someone in the police force to stop the investigation. Being a hero, he carries on working on the case.
We have several cringeworthy, gratuitous sex scenes, very badly written. Sex scenes are extremely difficult to write, the author is certainly aware of this, yet persists, likely in pursuit of the lowest possible denominator for the novel. Towards the end clichés abound:
"[He] was shaken, his face drained. An adage came to mind: If you can't do the time, don't do the crime. [...]"For comedy relief, the last page has a publisher's blurb that says "One Police Plaza is a first novel of rare authenticity." Yes, maybe in showing the ubiquity of corruption. But the characters are pure paper, ratcheting violence and gore replaces plot development, and the prose is mediocre at best.
Two stars.
April 27, 2013
This 1984 novel is the first novel of the NYPD written by NYPD Lieutenant Caunitz. It was later made into a made-for-TV movie.
NYPD novel - A nude corpse in a bathtub. For Detective Lt. Dan Malone of New York's Fifth Precinct, it's all in a day's work. Until a key leads him to an after-hours sex club. Until phone numbers connect to the CIA. Until a mystery involving the Mossad, Muslims, the Army, and the NYPD. Heat comes down on Malone to get off the case. But it's too late-Malone is obsessed.
NYPD novel - A nude corpse in a bathtub. For Detective Lt. Dan Malone of New York's Fifth Precinct, it's all in a day's work. Until a key leads him to an after-hours sex club. Until phone numbers connect to the CIA. Until a mystery involving the Mossad, Muslims, the Army, and the NYPD. Heat comes down on Malone to get off the case. But it's too late-Malone is obsessed.
June 11, 2019
Police Dept. especially Detective Malone an excellent Detective, storyline was very creative!, but not the sex part, so will not be reading any more books of this writer!
February 26, 2010
Excellent book. Suspense built all the way to the end.
October 25, 2020
Read in 1987. Police procedural is gritty, authentic, well plotted and thoroughly enjoyable. Became a fan after this book. One of my favorites that year.
June 23, 2019
Classic good novel
Nothing like classic novels. Interesting characters and believable plot. NYC and it's police are a classic story written and filmed many times. It's own culture, intrigue, and history are the stuff of great works, some fiction, some reality, some.....believe it, or not.
Nothing like classic novels. Interesting characters and believable plot. NYC and it's police are a classic story written and filmed many times. It's own culture, intrigue, and history are the stuff of great works, some fiction, some reality, some.....believe it, or not.
Want to read
December 4, 2021I think the book is based on the officers wake up
As well to the night before.
Morning time the office calls and tells him we have
A job porntoe. That there was an investigation with an incceident that accussed. Secretary say itt was an accident. He said he'll bet there. It took time to get ready. And he did remembered the way to get there and thing about it. 1&2 cheaplers.
As well to the night before.
Morning time the office calls and tells him we have
A job porntoe. That there was an investigation with an incceident that accussed. Secretary say itt was an accident. He said he'll bet there. It took time to get ready. And he did remembered the way to get there and thing about it. 1&2 cheaplers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2017
Good read
Fast paced page turner. Twisting plot keeps you guessing and looking for more. Ending seems just a little too neat but acceptable. Interesting writing style. I will look for others by this author.
Fast paced page turner. Twisting plot keeps you guessing and looking for more. Ending seems just a little too neat but acceptable. Interesting writing style. I will look for others by this author.
June 17, 2017
Would have been better without all the sexist and degrading comments toward/about women.
June 19, 2017
Great story
Written well before 9/11 but prescient in what would come. All with a police background with authenticity. Great summer read
Written well before 9/11 but prescient in what would come. All with a police background with authenticity. Great summer read
October 14, 2022
Неплохой вариант детектива на один раз. Реалистичность чуть выше, чем в обычных представителях жанра, хотя сам сюжет немного и отдаёт фантастикой...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
February 14, 2023Very descriptive police procedural . Always worth re reading for a 5th or 6th time.
March 5, 2023
Me ha costado un montón llegar al final, se me hizo bola.
January 29, 2024
Well plotted but a bit to misogynistic and racist for my taste even though its intentionally noir detective fare. It shows its age.
June 19, 2024
Has that touch of reality whilst being totally exciting.
June 4, 2025
it's an entertaining and fast paced book, though melodramatic at the end.
October 9, 2012
This book was written about 1985 - and talks of terrorist plots, in New York. However, the terrorist is not only outside, he is within the New York Police Department. I knew I was going back in time, when I read "typewriters" on the desks!
The Lt. finds there is a unit within a unit, bad cops, killing good cops, cover ups, middle east intrigue. The mob and loyalty to friends, with the Catholic church and more cover ups! Kinda covers a lot of ground! Dirty politics and revenge.
Interesting read, written by a policeman about murder and plots within a police department. I think the policeman came off a little naive, over terrorists, however, then the year was 1985.
The writer gives the reader the impression that all his police staff were thinking of all the time, was nothing but sex! I like to think that our police force is also thinking of how to protect it's citizens a little more. Maybe I am the naive one! However, I still enjoyed the book.
The Lt. finds there is a unit within a unit, bad cops, killing good cops, cover ups, middle east intrigue. The mob and loyalty to friends, with the Catholic church and more cover ups! Kinda covers a lot of ground! Dirty politics and revenge.
Interesting read, written by a policeman about murder and plots within a police department. I think the policeman came off a little naive, over terrorists, however, then the year was 1985.
The writer gives the reader the impression that all his police staff were thinking of all the time, was nothing but sex! I like to think that our police force is also thinking of how to protect it's citizens a little more. Maybe I am the naive one! However, I still enjoyed the book.
September 6, 2016
This was a good, if dated, look at the NYPD in the late '70s. The lack of any electronics, use of pay phones, and almost no prophylactic use is something you just do not read too much these days. This was before AIDS so most of the characters are more concerned with preventing pregnancy than catching an STD. Abortion is still new, and something that this society has not adjusted to.
Interesting mix of the Mossad, Libyan terrorists, and the Mob mixed in with dirty politicians. I like the fact that the cops were presented as not perfect, each is flawed in his (or her) own way enough to make them unique from each other.
A bit of graphic sex and violence with lots of foul language so skip this book if these are not something you wish to read. The book starts with a woman that has been rather graphically killed, if not your cup of tea - avoid as the book goes into intimate detail of her demise which is rather gory, painful and not a pleasant way to die at all.
Interesting mix of the Mossad, Libyan terrorists, and the Mob mixed in with dirty politicians. I like the fact that the cops were presented as not perfect, each is flawed in his (or her) own way enough to make them unique from each other.
A bit of graphic sex and violence with lots of foul language so skip this book if these are not something you wish to read. The book starts with a woman that has been rather graphically killed, if not your cup of tea - avoid as the book goes into intimate detail of her demise which is rather gory, painful and not a pleasant way to die at all.
March 29, 2013
One Police Plaza or One PP, a diminutive used by New York's Finest, is a symbol of power, authority and leadership. In the novel, it was where cover-ups are staged and where corruption is committed. Even if that's the title, One Police Plaza as a building was rarely mentioned and was less of a setting. The last five chapters gave life and the push for me to finish reading it. The title should at least been focused on the case not the building where things revolved on the case because like I said it was mentioned only a few times and didn't really portray a strong role. Significant but not strong.
November 6, 2012
The plot in this book is a standard terrorist plot. The plot may even be a little far fetched. I would not rate this novel on the plot alone. It is the characters and the authenticity of the inner workings of a police department that make this such an entertaining read. A sergeant during rollcall says: "The Lieutenant expects sixty minutes to the hour on this. No 10-85 with the girlfriends". Only a Lieutenant like the author himself would even know things like that are said during briefings. I suspect some of the characters in this novel are at least composite characters on people the author served with during his career. Rest in peace Lt. Caunitz.
February 18, 2015
The story plot was quite okay actually, but all the racism, sexism and stuff was just ugh while reading it. I mean, I guess I have to take it in consider that the book is written in the early 1980's and that the NYC police wasn't the best people during that time but still.
I am guessing the author created the characters from his own experience of being a police officer, but sometimes I feel he has exaggerated all of it.
However, it was sometimes enjoyable to read but mostly it was just awful. I wouldn't recommend reading this book today as there's much better books within the same genre.
I am guessing the author created the characters from his own experience of being a police officer, but sometimes I feel he has exaggerated all of it.
However, it was sometimes enjoyable to read but mostly it was just awful. I wouldn't recommend reading this book today as there's much better books within the same genre.
May 16, 2016
This is a tough one. One Police Plaza is a gritty, realistic police procedural written in a no-nonsense style. My issue is perhaps unfair since the book was written some time ago. As such, it appears dated. The attitudes and behaviors of the characters belong to another time. The portrayal of women is particularly awful. Women are window dressing -- either hookers, girlfriends or weakly written wives. It's a pity, because the novel really does resonate with authenticity.
August 3, 2012
It's like McBain's 87th Precinct, only edgier, combined with a lot of vulgarity. If you haven't read it yet, be thankful I have to spare you. The plot is okay, but nothing special. I'll probably read the other 6 cause that's what I do, but unless there is a big improvement I won't leave any comments beyond the rating.
March 18, 2015
Read it in 1986, when it impressed me as a R-rated version of Ed McBain's 87th Precinct novels. Re-reading it this week and not as impressed, but Caunitz could move the story along and the details about police work back in the day are interesting. Somehow, this was watered-down into a Robert Conrad tv movie for CBS, which I'd love to see.
March 21, 2016
A well written thriller that will have you racing through the pages.A woman's body is found dead in a bath tub a little gold key is discovered a gold key that leads to a sex club.A case that takes a spiderweb of turns from the cia to Israeli intelligence&on to the Muslim world.This is a well written edge of your seat book.
June 15, 2016
Really Great
Well written and the suspense was great. It sure gave you an inside look at what being in the police force is really like. Their life's are on the line every day and there isn't much glamour in the job. The politics are everywhere and I'm sure it hampers their job daily. Great read and I'm looking forward to reading more of his books.
Well written and the suspense was great. It sure gave you an inside look at what being in the police force is really like. Their life's are on the line every day and there isn't much glamour in the job. The politics are everywhere and I'm sure it hampers their job daily. Great read and I'm looking forward to reading more of his books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews