The Black Marble

By Joseph Wambaugh

Book Overview

Two LAPD cops stumble into trouble during a search for a kidnapped dog in this "superb" New York Times bestseller from the author of Hollywood Station (St. Louis Post-Dispatch).

Russian-American detective A. A. Valnikov is a burned-out homicide detective who gets teamed with Natalie Zimmerman, twice-divorced with a grudge against men. These unlikely partners are assigned the strange case of a stolen show dog being held for ransom. In this bittersweet tale that the Los Angeles Times called "terrifying and romantic," the partners will find much more than they ever could have imagined. Cosmopolitan called it "fast, colorful and gripping . . . as touching as it is breathlessly entertaining."

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1453234861
• ISBN13: 9781453234860
• Release Date: January 2013
• Publisher: Mysteriouspress.Com/Open Road
• Length: 354 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

All the characters from once wealthy socialites to the pettiness of unforgivable jealousies

This interesting read goes into some details about pure bred dog shows; the love of the dogs and the work involved with the people involved--from the handlers, owners, groomers, etc. If you like dogs, you will probably learn a little about the jealousies and pettiness of a few personalities. Great mystery--you will be laughing one minute and shaking your head the next minute at some of the stupid and selfish characters. P.S. I, too, loved Vicky!

One of Wambaugh's best

"The Black Marble" is one of my favorite of Wambaugh's novels. Taking a distinct step away from the boy's club that marked his three earlier novels, the author blended in an offbeat, reluctant romance into the storyline and made it fit beautifully with the character arcs of the protagonist and his partner. Touching, outrageously funny and filled with pathos, this is one story that stayed with me for a long time after I finished the book.

Excellent book

I discovered Wambaugh 2 years ago and this is the fifth one I've read. I have read so many bad books this year that this one shines out. Great plot, great characters, easy to read. Highly recommended

Joseph Wambaugh's best

"The Black Marble" is not only the author's best, but quite possibly the best of the entire genre. Wambaugh's trademark dark humor, authentic Los Angeles setting, and genuinely likable characters propel this fast-paced tale about the LAPD and a dog-napping scheme gone woefully wrong. A.A. Valnikov, a slovenly, boozy, but tender-souled Slavic veteran, is determined to rescue the doggie in distress. His new partner, Natalie Zimmerman, is determined to get him fired from the Force and out of her life... until she comes to know him and the nightmares which torment him. This book is as terrific today as it was twenty years ago, even if now a trifle "dated". It's often poignant, sometimes tragic, frequently hilarious, and ultimately heart-warming. Read it; it will leave you feeling good and wishing you could really meet the characters!

Wambaugh's best!

I loved "The New Centurions" and "The Blue Knight" and "The Glitter Dome" and I find his latest books to be big disappointments. This book, however, is something else. Wambaugh takes it to a new level. Magnificent!!

Classic Wambaugh; humor and characters

This has all the Wambaugh hallmarks: eccentric characters, crude humor, intelligence. If you like action, humor, "real" people and not cardboard characters, police stories, this is a great book.