📖 Overview
Gerald Petievich is an American crime fiction author and former United States Secret Service agent known for writing authentic crime thrillers drawing from his law enforcement experience. His most recognized work is "To Live and Die in L.A.," which was adapted into a successful 1985 film directed by William Friedkin.
Before becoming an author, Petievich served as a Counterintelligence officer in West Germany and later joined the U.S. Secret Service in 1970, where he worked on presidential protection detail and organized crime investigations. His family background in law enforcement, with both his father and brother serving in the Los Angeles Police Department, contributed to his understanding of police work.
While still working for the Secret Service, Petievich began his writing career, publishing his first four novels before retiring in 1985 to pursue writing full-time. His works are characterized by their authentic portrayal of law enforcement operations and criminal investigations, with several being adapted for film, including "Money Men" and "The Sentinel."
👀 Reviews
Readers praise Petievich's authentic portrayal of law enforcement procedures and operations, citing his insider knowledge from Secret Service experience. Multiple reviews note his ability to create tense, realistic action sequences without sensationalism.
What readers liked:
- Technical accuracy in describing investigations
- Fast-paced plotting without unnecessary exposition
- Realistic dialogue between law enforcement officers
- Detailed descriptions of surveillance and counterfeit operations
What readers disliked:
- Limited character development
- Abrupt endings in several books
- Prose sometimes reads like case reports
- Later works seen as formulaic
Ratings across platforms:
- Goodreads: "To Live and Die in L.A." averages 3.8/5 from 1,200+ ratings
- Amazon: Most titles average 4/5 stars
- "Money Men" and "The Quality of the Informant" receive highest reader scores
One consistent reader comment: "Reads like someone who's actually done the job rather than researched it." Multiple reviews note his books lack the Hollywood gloss of typical crime thrillers, giving them documentary-like authenticity.
📚 Books by Gerald Petievich
To Live and Die in L.A. - A Secret Service agent in Los Angeles pursues a deadly counterfeiter who murdered his partner.
The Quality of the Informant - A veteran Secret Service agent investigates a complex case involving a confidential informant and organized crime in Los Angeles.
Money Men - Two Treasury agents track professional counterfeiters through the criminal underworld of Southern California.
The Sentinel - A Secret Service agent uncovers a plot against the President while dealing with corruption within the agency.
Earth Angels - A detective tracks down a brutal killer targeting young women in Los Angeles.
Shakedown - A Secret Service agent becomes entangled in a dangerous investigation involving police corruption and organized crime.
To Die in Beverly Hills - A Secret Service agent investigates a series of murders connected to high-society Beverly Hills.
Paramour - A Los Angeles police detective pursues a female serial killer who targets wealthy men.
The Quality of the Informant - A veteran Secret Service agent investigates a complex case involving a confidential informant and organized crime in Los Angeles.
Money Men - Two Treasury agents track professional counterfeiters through the criminal underworld of Southern California.
The Sentinel - A Secret Service agent uncovers a plot against the President while dealing with corruption within the agency.
Earth Angels - A detective tracks down a brutal killer targeting young women in Los Angeles.
Shakedown - A Secret Service agent becomes entangled in a dangerous investigation involving police corruption and organized crime.
To Die in Beverly Hills - A Secret Service agent investigates a series of murders connected to high-society Beverly Hills.
Paramour - A Los Angeles police detective pursues a female serial killer who targets wealthy men.
👥 Similar authors
Joseph Wambaugh writes crime fiction from his experience as a former LAPD detective, focusing on the authentic daily reality of police work. His books feature similar insider knowledge of procedures and police culture that marks Petievich's work.
Charles Brandt brings real-world law enforcement experience as a homicide investigator and prosecutor to his crime writing. He combines deep investigative knowledge with true crime elements, similar to Petievich's authentic approach.
James Ellroy writes crime fiction set in Los Angeles with deep roots in police procedure and corruption. His work shares Petievich's focus on the mechanics of law enforcement and organized crime investigations.
Thomas Perry creates crime thrillers based on detailed research into law enforcement techniques and criminal enterprises. His plots feature the same attention to procedural accuracy found in Petievich's novels.
William Queen writes from his experience as an ATF agent, providing insider perspective on federal law enforcement operations. His work shares Petievich's foundation in real-world federal agent experience and operational details.
Charles Brandt brings real-world law enforcement experience as a homicide investigator and prosecutor to his crime writing. He combines deep investigative knowledge with true crime elements, similar to Petievich's authentic approach.
James Ellroy writes crime fiction set in Los Angeles with deep roots in police procedure and corruption. His work shares Petievich's focus on the mechanics of law enforcement and organized crime investigations.
Thomas Perry creates crime thrillers based on detailed research into law enforcement techniques and criminal enterprises. His plots feature the same attention to procedural accuracy found in Petievich's novels.
William Queen writes from his experience as an ATF agent, providing insider perspective on federal law enforcement operations. His work shares Petievich's foundation in real-world federal agent experience and operational details.