Book cover of The War on Cops

Book description

Violent crime has been rising sharply in many American cities after two decades of decline. Homicides jumped nearly 17 percent in 2015 in the largest 50 cities, the biggest one-year increase since 1993. The reason is what Heather Mac Donald first identified nationally as the "Ferguson effect": Since the 2014…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The War on Cops as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

In my book, a teenage Anthony Nelson is inspired to pursue a career at the FBI by an advertisement presenting the bureau as the hardest job imaginable. Heather Mac Donald offers up a powerful, data-driven examination that dramatically underscores this premise. 

Drawing on meticulous research, dogged field reporting, and interviews with an amazing cross-section of officers across the country, Mac Donald dispels myths as she reveals context and far-too-often-unseen challenges police confront daily. 

Today’s members of law enforcement face dramatic rises in violence, harsh public scrutiny, and undulating politically driven pressures, coupled with severe emotional and physical demands.

Unfortunately, there…

If you love The War on Cops...

Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

Want books like The War on Cops?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 40 books like The War on Cops.

Browse books like The War on Cops

Book cover of Mindhunter: Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit
Book cover of Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets
Book cover of New York's Finest

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,366

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like The War on Cops, you might also like...

Book cover of Deadly Revenge

Deadly Revenge by Patricia Bradley,

Deputy Jenna Hart has only been working in her sleepy hometown of Pearl Springs for seven months when city officials begin to be targeted by a killer. Twenty years ago, the construction of a dam caused people to lose their land to eminent domain. That wound has not healed with…

Book cover of The Duty of Memory

The Duty of Memory by Vicki Olsen,

Separating the true stories from the myths, The Duty of Memory provides a deeper understanding of the diverse motivations that drove ordinary people to join an underground network of French Resistants despite terrible odds and horrifying consequences.

This book takes the reader inside the true story of men and women…

5 book lists we think you will like!