Murderer with a Badge

Edward Humes

Mar 2014 · Diversion Publishing Corp.

About this eBook

From the Pulitzer Prize–winning author: “The story of L.A.’s dirtiest cop . . . A riveting glimpse of the dark side of human behavior” (Flint Journal).
 
Bill Leasure was among the least ambitious officers ever to wear the badge for the Los Angeles Police Department. He was content to work the traffic beat and only rarely gave out tickets.
 
He also ran scams that netted him countless riches, from stealing yachts to collecting guns and cars. And he further enriched himself by setting up a murder-for-hire ring. Was he in it for the thrills? Was he a cop playing both sides of the law for the fun of it? Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Edward Humes explores the lies and psychopathy that enabled Bill Leasure to fool even the most savvy of city prosecutors, his own wife.
 
“Rife with vivid description. Disturbing.” —The Miami Herald
 
“Fascinating . . . A superbly crafted chronicle of one of the most complex, enigmatic criminals in memory. Far stronger and more compelling than most crime fiction.” —Kirkus Reviews
 
“Excellent . . . Authoritative, impeccably documented and disturbing.” —The Orange County Register
 
“Painstaking research and hair-trigger pacing.” —Publishers Weekly

Ratings and reviews

Pretty good read and I enjoyed it a lot. Not quite 5 star because it does at times seem to drag on a little but enjoable nonetheless. Amazing that a cop was able to hide one part of his life from so many including the LAPD and his wife No problem recommending this book to readers of true crime

Never having heard about this story before i read the book kept me openminded all the way and i can say it sure is a great read. Its keeps you guessing right till the end and even then the outcome isnt clearcut guilty or not guilty. Fans of true crime thrillers will love it. Thumbs up!!

Good read.

About the author

Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and author Edward Humes has written thirteen nonfiction books, including true crime bestseller Mississippi Mud, acclaimed enviro-chronicle Garbology: Our Dirty Love Affair with Trash, and PEN Award–winning No Matter How Loud I Shout: A Year in the Life of Juvenile Court. He writes for Los Angeles Times, Sierra, Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and others, and has taught writing at the University of California, Chapman University, and the University of Oregon’s literary nonfiction masters program. His latest book is the biography of winemaking legend Jess Jackson: A Man and His Mountain. Humes lives in Southern California with his wife, two children and three rescued racing greyhounds.