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Parallax: True Crime Tales
"What is the one thing all law enforcement officers have in common? Each know they may not come home if they do their jobs and fulfill their oaths of office." In the first volume of author, cop, and lawyer Lance J. LoRusso’s new series True Crime Tales, LoRusso weaves true-life tales based on experiences law enforcement officers all over the country endure every day. Be it coming face to face with a sociopathic killer, hunting down a child predator, to grieving the loss of a fallen brother in blue, the limits of these heroes’ bravery and dedication to the law know no bounds. Each story taps into the psyche of the men and women behind the uniform, and sometimes even the perpetrator. In “Running,” LoRusso steps into the viewpoint of a cop killer on the run, while in “Parallax,” a team of officers must outmaneuver a crazed robber holding up a bank. The catch? An officer’s daughter is inside. No matter the narrator—lawyer, perp, or cop—each story is written with poignancy and depth, showcasing LoRusso’s own extensive experience in the realm of law enforcement. "Parallax", Volume 1 of True Crime Tales, delivers the spectrum of human emotion—anguish, love, terror, and gratitude—that each and every law enforcement officer experiences in his day-to-day life, one story at a time.
- GenresNonfiction
59 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2019
30 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Lance J. LoRusso
8 books14 followersI am an attorney with a writing habit! In my past life, I was a law enforcement officer working patrol, public relations, training, and investigations. Now, I stand up for first responders as an attorney. I enjoy writing fiction and non-fiction. Profits from my non-fiction books benefit first responder charities. With my fiction stories I strive to tell realistic tales of first responders based on my years as a cop, the experiences of my first responder friends, and my work as an attorney representing them during some of the worst moments of their lives. My hope is that readers of my stories come away with a better understanding of the challenges our first responders face as seen through a window into their daily lives.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 20, 2019
A little less than 100 pages, the stories contained in this volume have less to do with the actual crime than how the law enforcement officers felt, what they were thinking, how they handled a crisis. This 30-year law enforcement author knows that the one thing that they all have in common is that they know they may not come home at the end of the shift.
The readers of this book may be fellow police officers, detectives, their spouses, their children, their friends ... or people who just want to learn more about the reality of the criminal acts that occur on a daily basis in all parts of the country.
Cops gets scared, they get hurt physically and emotionally. They experience pain from the things they see and hear. They carry that pain for a long time ... and sometimes that burden becomes too much.
1) PARALLAX The Swat Team is called out to a bank robbery in progress with hostages held inside. A Swat Tea, sniper does not know that his daughter is in the bank.
2) THE LAST SET The Blue Note Cafe is opening. Among the people willing to pay for the privilege of listening to a local musical group is an undercover policeman. This is a very well planned takedown of a man wanted for multiple assaults. There are other cops waiting outside for the word ... they all have search warrants .. for the band's van, the lead singer's house. It seems to be going well .... until it doesn't.
3) RUNNING A man has just shot and killed a policeman who had tried to pull him over. The reader gets to hear his thoughts as he plans a get-away.
4) A NASTY HABIT This homicide detective is hunting a man responsible for the murders of 4 women... all unsolved and dumped without a clue as to who he is. How he finds the killer is quite unique.
5) ROSE-COLORED GLASSES A retired detective has been undergoing therapy for 2 years. He was the only survivor when he and his team were on the job. He turned to alcohol to dull the pain, dull the memories. He's been dry while and he wants to test his resolve to stay sober.
All the stories are well-written, with credible characters. There are a couple that come with a twist ..something surprising, unexpected. It's a fast read and if you are interested in the world of crime and cops, don't pass this one up.
Many thanks to the author / BookLogix / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
April 5, 2019
There are 5 short stories in this book; each one unique , situations that cops face at one time or other in their line of duty. Situations that require determination, presence of mind, strength both emotional and sometimes physical, grit etc. Some of these are life threatening too, some may not make it back and other times lose their fellow officers and the resulting guilt trip that almost destroys them.
The author just tells these stories in an honest manner without any sugar coating and the real dangers that they face.
This book is better than any fictional cop/detective story. It has mystery, drama, emotion, romance everything that a story has. The characters are are relatable, stories gripping once you start, cannot stop without ending the story, witha emotional seasoning too. Thank you for this book @Booksirens and also a big thanks to the author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The author just tells these stories in an honest manner without any sugar coating and the real dangers that they face.
This book is better than any fictional cop/detective story. It has mystery, drama, emotion, romance everything that a story has. The characters are are relatable, stories gripping once you start, cannot stop without ending the story, witha emotional seasoning too. Thank you for this book @Booksirens and also a big thanks to the author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 2, 2019
Fast-paced. Riveting. Emotional. Suspenseful. These tales bring it ALL! Everything you could want in a book filled with unputdownable, true-crime stories.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
July 10, 2019
Thank you to the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Really good collection of short stories written by lawyer and former police officer Lance LoRusso. The stories are told from the perspective of police officers, which I found really interesting. All stories are works of fiction. However, due to the author’s personal experience working in law enforcement, you really get a taste for the emotions involved in the job. As a reader it gives you a different perspective and appreciation for the work they do.
Really good collection of short stories written by lawyer and former police officer Lance LoRusso. The stories are told from the perspective of police officers, which I found really interesting. All stories are works of fiction. However, due to the author’s personal experience working in law enforcement, you really get a taste for the emotions involved in the job. As a reader it gives you a different perspective and appreciation for the work they do.
January 31, 2020
This book captures your attention right from the start. Each chapter is a separate story that grabs you and attempts to give you a real good understanding of the various serious situations that face today's law enforcement officers. I would recommend folks add this to their library.
April 4, 2019
Authentic, Gritty, and Highly Enjoyable - Parallax is a series of true crime short stories written with a sense of edginess and an unexpected emotionally driven style that really rings true, especially for anyone who's ever worked a beat or stood over a dead body thinking about what they're going to eat for breakfast. Highly recommended for fans of police procedurals and gritty cop dramas.
March 9, 2019
You can find this review and all of my others over at www.readbookrepeat.wordpress.com
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, BookLogix, and the author via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Parallax is a collection of short stories all centring around the police force. Written by LoRusso who has carried a badge for over thirty years now, this book gives the reader an insight into a police officer's thoughts, and feelings as they have to live with and deal with awful situations that they are sure to encounter in their line of work. Comprised of five short stories, each tale takes us into a moment in time of a police officer. The first taking place during a bank robbery, and the last showing us the aftermath of a terrible situation which lead to a police officer becoming an alcoholic trying to deal with everything. It really does cover a broad spectrum and I am SO glad that I was accepted to read this. It was incredibly eye opening, as none of us who have not been in a position such as these would realise the turmoil that these strong, amazing people face every day.
Having been given a brief glimpse into different situations that one can face in such a dangerous line of work as this, I believe it proves that it takes a special kind of person to be willing to do the right thing when given such power, as well as to put your life on the line for others. We all know that not all police officer's use their power for the good of the people they swore to protect, but I do believe that the good far outweigh the bad. Being willing to put your life on the line, literally, for someone that you don't know takes a certain level of humanity that I think a lot of the people in the world lack today. The outright act of selflessness is amazing.
Each story in this collection is different from the last, and I have to say, the last two stories were definitely my favourite. The second last story is one of a detective, speaking to a man whom he believes is responsible for a spate of murders that have occurred in the small town that he resides in. It shows us the excitement that can occur when they finally get their man, when they know without a doubt that they have the culprit responsible and that this will all be coming to an end soon. It also gives us a look into life as a partner to a police officer. Having to leave your loved one at home, comfortable in bed, not wanting to talk about the possibility that once you walk out that door, you may not ever come back. Hoping against hope that you'll make it through just one more shift with your life in tact. It really brings it home when instead of saying "be safe, I love you." as our character leaves, his wife says "you go catch the bad guys" and he knows that is her way of saying, "be safe, please come home to me, I love you", but to actually put it in those words would be too hard, and take too much of a toll when having to speak them every single day when your spouse leaves the house.
The last story follows a retired police officer who ended up falling down the abyss of alcoholism. We follow him on his journey as he has been able to pull himself out of that hole, get himself help and is now taking his first journey to Savannah. A place where he spent every single moment there drunk, unable to remember much of anything. He is testing himself and believes in himself. I love that the story is given such a sweet spin when we meet the owner of the B&B that our character is staying in for the duration of his stay. I love that there is the spark of new romance, that it really shows there is light at the end of the tunnel, you just have to keep slogging through to reach it. It was such a beautiful way to end this collection of short stories, and really left me with a smile on my face once I'd finished the book.
If you want a little insight into the life of a police officer, give this book a go. While it doesn't go super deep, it gives us brief glimpses behind the curtains and it is something that I am SO glad I got to experience.
Lastly, thank you to all of those who serve, in any capacity, under any title, in any form, whether that be police officer, Army, Navy or Airforce or any number of places and titles that I've no doubt forgotten at this time, Thank you.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, BookLogix, and the author via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Parallax is a collection of short stories all centring around the police force. Written by LoRusso who has carried a badge for over thirty years now, this book gives the reader an insight into a police officer's thoughts, and feelings as they have to live with and deal with awful situations that they are sure to encounter in their line of work. Comprised of five short stories, each tale takes us into a moment in time of a police officer. The first taking place during a bank robbery, and the last showing us the aftermath of a terrible situation which lead to a police officer becoming an alcoholic trying to deal with everything. It really does cover a broad spectrum and I am SO glad that I was accepted to read this. It was incredibly eye opening, as none of us who have not been in a position such as these would realise the turmoil that these strong, amazing people face every day.
Having been given a brief glimpse into different situations that one can face in such a dangerous line of work as this, I believe it proves that it takes a special kind of person to be willing to do the right thing when given such power, as well as to put your life on the line for others. We all know that not all police officer's use their power for the good of the people they swore to protect, but I do believe that the good far outweigh the bad. Being willing to put your life on the line, literally, for someone that you don't know takes a certain level of humanity that I think a lot of the people in the world lack today. The outright act of selflessness is amazing.
Each story in this collection is different from the last, and I have to say, the last two stories were definitely my favourite. The second last story is one of a detective, speaking to a man whom he believes is responsible for a spate of murders that have occurred in the small town that he resides in. It shows us the excitement that can occur when they finally get their man, when they know without a doubt that they have the culprit responsible and that this will all be coming to an end soon. It also gives us a look into life as a partner to a police officer. Having to leave your loved one at home, comfortable in bed, not wanting to talk about the possibility that once you walk out that door, you may not ever come back. Hoping against hope that you'll make it through just one more shift with your life in tact. It really brings it home when instead of saying "be safe, I love you." as our character leaves, his wife says "you go catch the bad guys" and he knows that is her way of saying, "be safe, please come home to me, I love you", but to actually put it in those words would be too hard, and take too much of a toll when having to speak them every single day when your spouse leaves the house.
The last story follows a retired police officer who ended up falling down the abyss of alcoholism. We follow him on his journey as he has been able to pull himself out of that hole, get himself help and is now taking his first journey to Savannah. A place where he spent every single moment there drunk, unable to remember much of anything. He is testing himself and believes in himself. I love that the story is given such a sweet spin when we meet the owner of the B&B that our character is staying in for the duration of his stay. I love that there is the spark of new romance, that it really shows there is light at the end of the tunnel, you just have to keep slogging through to reach it. It was such a beautiful way to end this collection of short stories, and really left me with a smile on my face once I'd finished the book.
If you want a little insight into the life of a police officer, give this book a go. While it doesn't go super deep, it gives us brief glimpses behind the curtains and it is something that I am SO glad I got to experience.
Lastly, thank you to all of those who serve, in any capacity, under any title, in any form, whether that be police officer, Army, Navy or Airforce or any number of places and titles that I've no doubt forgotten at this time, Thank you.
July 9, 2019
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Parallax by Lance J Lorusso is a work of fiction which is told in the style of true crime stories. Made up of five unconnected short stories, the book tells the tales of modern-day detectives as they go about their duties: to protect and serve.
The five short stories touch on a number of different aspects of the detective, including alcoholism, fear, self-sacrifice and the conflict that is created when family is entangled with the duty to protect and serve as in the case of Ralph Ramison in Parallax, the title short story. I find all five short stories to be engaging and fast paced which convinced me that Lance Lorusso is a strong writer, who is drawing from personal experience as he weaves these tales with detail and feeling because he is writing about what he knows.
There is a lot of blood and gore in the book and I think it goes to highlight the danger that police officers find themselves. No character is immune to being hurt or killed in the book; many times the character whose point of view it is; often gets killed and still the story goes on.
I am giving the book 4 out of 5 stars. It was an enjoyable read. The book was short and concise, which made it easy for me to read it in one sitting. The book is well edited; I only found a few errors. I look forward to reading more books from the author.
Parallax by Lance J Lorusso is a work of fiction which is told in the style of true crime stories. Made up of five unconnected short stories, the book tells the tales of modern-day detectives as they go about their duties: to protect and serve.
The five short stories touch on a number of different aspects of the detective, including alcoholism, fear, self-sacrifice and the conflict that is created when family is entangled with the duty to protect and serve as in the case of Ralph Ramison in Parallax, the title short story. I find all five short stories to be engaging and fast paced which convinced me that Lance Lorusso is a strong writer, who is drawing from personal experience as he weaves these tales with detail and feeling because he is writing about what he knows.
There is a lot of blood and gore in the book and I think it goes to highlight the danger that police officers find themselves. No character is immune to being hurt or killed in the book; many times the character whose point of view it is; often gets killed and still the story goes on.
I am giving the book 4 out of 5 stars. It was an enjoyable read. The book was short and concise, which made it easy for me to read it in one sitting. The book is well edited; I only found a few errors. I look forward to reading more books from the author.
July 22, 2019
I received an advance review copy from BookSirens for free, and am leaving a voluntary review.
Despite watching many crime shows on the TV, reading it makes it seem more real. There's a constant reminder in my head telling me that this is what some police and detectives face on a daily basis and these are stories from their lives.
I really enjoyed reading this. Sounds totally messed up since it's a reflection of our world and this is what actually happens and what the police and detectives deal with but I'm just so intrigued. Altogether there are 5 short stories centred around different cases and situations that each cop or someone they know faced.
Parallax shares about the lives of the police and what they go through for the sake of others. You are reminded that behind the badge, there's a person, a family, feelings, fear and aftereffects from their job. Amongst the 5 short stories, I definitely have a few favourites. Some I could tell that I would like it from the start, some others that take me longer to like it.
I really like how LoRusso wrote each description in this true-crime tales collection, from the thought process to the subtle actions, making it seem as if I am watching the whole scene right before me. I just kept on reading and reading without letting myself have the time to feel the suspense.
LoRusso is a great storyteller and it definitely makes me want to read the second volume, and the third, and fourth, as many as there are.
Despite watching many crime shows on the TV, reading it makes it seem more real. There's a constant reminder in my head telling me that this is what some police and detectives face on a daily basis and these are stories from their lives.
I really enjoyed reading this. Sounds totally messed up since it's a reflection of our world and this is what actually happens and what the police and detectives deal with but I'm just so intrigued. Altogether there are 5 short stories centred around different cases and situations that each cop or someone they know faced.
Parallax shares about the lives of the police and what they go through for the sake of others. You are reminded that behind the badge, there's a person, a family, feelings, fear and aftereffects from their job. Amongst the 5 short stories, I definitely have a few favourites. Some I could tell that I would like it from the start, some others that take me longer to like it.
I really like how LoRusso wrote each description in this true-crime tales collection, from the thought process to the subtle actions, making it seem as if I am watching the whole scene right before me. I just kept on reading and reading without letting myself have the time to feel the suspense.
LoRusso is a great storyteller and it definitely makes me want to read the second volume, and the third, and fourth, as many as there are.
April 16, 2019
From feeling the warmth and relief of coming home after a enduring shift to the somber feelings of those who are not so fortunate, Parallax takes you through an array of emotions that Law Enforcement officers must deal with as part of the job. The collection true crime short stories, is definitely worth taking to time to read and enjoy. With twists around every corner, the author, Lance LoRusso, shares five different stories through the eyes of the officers and showcases unique aspects of Law Enforcement. The last of the stories, Rose-Colored Glasses, was my personal favorite. It tells the tale of a retired officer as he take his trip through recovery after a traumatic event on the job and his battle with alcohol. Whether you are Law Enforcement, family, friends or just want more insight into the career, I highly recommend reading Parallax.
June 26, 2019
I received a copy of this book from book sirens in exchange of an honest review
I have always been a fan for true crime. But when you add true crimes stories told by cops.... its always a yes....
Being a Sheriff's wife, I can relate and understand.
but someone who is not around cops or law enforcement would never know how they feel in regard to certain situations or crimes.
This book follows some cops through a couple cases for start to finish from a bank robbery to a sheriff deputy shot and the bad guy on the loose.
it was a short quick read and every story was written so well you felt you were right there with them.
LOVE....
I could read books like this all day!
Keep doing you Mr. LoRusso! Love this books!
I have always been a fan for true crime. But when you add true crimes stories told by cops.... its always a yes....
Being a Sheriff's wife, I can relate and understand.
but someone who is not around cops or law enforcement would never know how they feel in regard to certain situations or crimes.
This book follows some cops through a couple cases for start to finish from a bank robbery to a sheriff deputy shot and the bad guy on the loose.
it was a short quick read and every story was written so well you felt you were right there with them.
LOVE....
I could read books like this all day!
Keep doing you Mr. LoRusso! Love this books!
March 3, 2019
I love true crime and while this was essentially fiction...it read true! The author has taken real incidents and told them from the vantage point of the officer(s) involved and disguised them. These are more about the officers and their viewpoints and emotions than the actual crimes. They are very intense, emotional and eye-opening. Excellent book!
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and voluntarily chose to review it.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and voluntarily chose to review it.
March 8, 2019
Wonderful read. It brings you up close and personal with the law enforcement personnel who are out there every day putting their lives on the line for the safety of the populis. I think anyone reading this book will have a broader and closer insight into what makes these most special people so extraordinary and enhances the respect they so greatly deserve.
I would like to read more of this author's books and will most definitely look into getting my hands on more of them.
I would like to read more of this author's books and will most definitely look into getting my hands on more of them.
June 7, 2019
I was able to read this arc copy for giving my honest opinion about it.
It was a great experience to be able to read this book and feel like you were actually at the scene of the crime or in the mind of the criminal.
You actually felt like it was really happening in front of you. You seen the blood, you felt the fear of the victims.
The author did an excellent job of explaining how the scene played out. The crime was true and nothing was left behind. You read this at your own risk.
It was a great experience to be able to read this book and feel like you were actually at the scene of the crime or in the mind of the criminal.
You actually felt like it was really happening in front of you. You seen the blood, you felt the fear of the victims.
The author did an excellent job of explaining how the scene played out. The crime was true and nothing was left behind. You read this at your own risk.
March 3, 2019
Yes
I enjoyed these short stories. They didn't "wow me" but they were good nevertheless. I preferred the stories with the twist.
This book was relatively short and I would have liked more stories. I would read more from this author.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed these short stories. They didn't "wow me" but they were good nevertheless. I preferred the stories with the twist.
This book was relatively short and I would have liked more stories. I would read more from this author.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2020
Absorbed in mysteries
Very interesting how detectives and police can put together a crime and get hunches and feelings about it and actually know what might have been. I love mysteries and this was all a mystery to me.
Very interesting how detectives and police can put together a crime and get hunches and feelings about it and actually know what might have been. I love mysteries and this was all a mystery to me.
February 20, 2019
It is not often that i get to read 'True Crime', mainly because i am a little choosy when it comes to what the crime is about. So glad that i read 'Parallax' which was an excellent read. The stories themselves are fiction, but are based on the fear, uncertainty, fallibility of characters and so on, which the author experienced or witnessed during his time in law enforcement. A recommended read.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews