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Larry's new book is a fabulous read into a world of policing that is rarely discussed. He has a great ability to captivate the reader with a story. If you like books in the genre of crime and law enforcement then this is a must-read.
"Donna Gentile was a working prostitute in the City of San Diego, California. As a former SDPD officer and Vice Detective myself, I am all too familiar with the sex-for-money business in my home town. I am also very familiar with how The San Diego Police Department had a habit of throwing fine officers under Continue Reading
I look at the cover and it makes me think Donna has been waiting for the truth to come out and her murderer exposed. With this book, it looks like she's about to get her wish.
When I first met Larry Avrech in the summer of 1985, he had been fired from SDPD due in part to testimony of a prostitute. When her body was discovered in East San Diego County, media speculation projected him as a suspect in her death, even when other prostitutes’ bodies were dropped in East San Diego County. Avrech steadfastly maintained his innocence, while losing his job and his wife. As the cloud of suspicion hung over his head, Avrech quietly went to work to exonerate himself while exposing police corruption in sunny San Diego's police department. This book is Avrech's vindication.
The last great police corruption book, Serpico. This is the west coast version. The death of a street worker leads to corruption, coverup and the attempt to ruin a good officer's life. A great read and yes, the truth San Diego doesn't want you the taxpayer to know. The author, Larry Avrech is the wrongfully accused officer. In the style of Joseph Wambaugh, Larry takes you back into time and into each tense situation.
I look at the cover and it makes me think Donna has been waiting for the truth to come out and her murderer exposed. With this book, it looks like she's about to get her wish.
The truth finally comes out. A very well-written book!
Veronica United States on April 30, 2021
A meticulously researched book. The author covers all of the angles and brings us into a world that only police officers experience. As a reader, we get to read firsthand experience of what police officers do on a daily basis. It really opened my eyes.
Patrick Bunch United States on March 14, 2022
Great book, CRAZY that this is a true story!
PT LT United States on March 5, 2021
It was great reading this book from the prospective of an honest police officer who refused to stoop as low as some of his colleagues did that abused their positionons in order to corrupt the San Diego Police Department.
The one thing I really liked was giving such high regards to Dick for helping the author clear his name. That was in Chapter 22. Dick passed away but his memory will live on in the mind of the author and what he did for him.
I found it interesting and sad on the many prostitutes that lost their lives to such vile and hatred means. No matter what they did, it did not justify the cruelty that enveloped each one of them on the evil way they died. Too bad that everyone of their killers could not have been brought to justice.
Robin United States on April 7, 2021
This is a phenomenal book. I enjoyed it very much as did my girlfriend 😃 I highly recommend this book 😊
Amazon Customer United States on July 10, 2021
I worked with Larry Avrech and knew him well. He went to Hell and back being investigated for a murder he did not commit. This book details that journal. You’ll see how getting too close to an informant while investigating a superior can cost everything.
Rodney Vandiver United States on July 31, 2021
This book interested me because I grew up in San Diego. It’s so sad to think a young girl would die in such a tragic way. I don’t want to believe the police would ever do harm, but evidence after evidence sure convinced me to be weary. Good read.
Amazon Customer United States on August 15, 2021
I have this book on my kindle but also bought a hardcover for a friend who retired from SDPD. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and my friend said it “was to the point and very accurate”. It is an easy, quick read which includes a lot of detail without being tedious and boring. I look forward to any future books by this author.
Patti196 United States on August 5, 2021
Very good read and very real to me. Thanks for all your work in this Larry.
Debbie Caul Amazon United States on March 25, 2022
Larry Avrech meets courage and fear in his story that waited to be told for more than three decades. This is a story of the complexity describing humans simply doing the best they can, and in that, others are sometimes harmed. A painful exploration of realities of emerging modern policing. Current leaders and police officers can use these decades old events as a guidelines for policing today.
Just as none of us are of a single story, neither is the story of the murder of Donna Gentile. The books walks the reader through a dark period of a large city police department and other county agencies, shining light into the shadows of corruption and acknowledging those striving to do the right thing.
The story could read like a novel of deception and intrigue yet it is a telling of real events, naming real places and describing real people. I had worked for he same department as a police officer during the era described by Larry. For me, the first few pages of the book activated many of my own real memories and experiences of the people around those events. Some of those memories were painful and sad, some brought smiles. It is a necessary part of being human that allow us to face it all.
Larry’s book, invites all readers and anyone with an interest in criminal justice and policing, to face the reality that policing is hard. Life is hard. Police departments are comprised of human beings, with all their strengths and weaknesses and frailties. They stumble. They fall. Yet, through it all, they rise back up to protect us.
Donna Gentile died. Larry Avrech felt persecuted and was terminated from his police career. Larry’s book may allow positive meaning to be placed around Donna’s death. Larry Avrech has found vindication.
Amazon Customer Amazon United States February 27, 2020
In the summer of 1985, a 22-year-old street prostitute named Donna Gentile was found murdered, her body dumped on the side of a road in the remote Pine Valley area east of San Diego. Gentile was lying in the dirt and broken glass battered and nude, her clothes thrown on top of her. In a final chilling detail, her mouth and throat had been stuffed with gravel, a message from the murderer that Gentile had been killed for being a snitch. And she was a snitch. In addition to acting as a low-level police informant, she had been known to rat out a San Diego Police Officers when it served her interests.
Gentile’s murder was one in a string of murders of young prostitutes in the mid-1980s continues to haunt the city of San Diego to this day. Were they related? Was the right man convicted or is the killer still out there, responsible for even more murders spanning decades? Were members of the San Diego Police Department involved?
Author Larry Avrech addresses all of these mysteries and more. And he should know – Avrech is a former San Diego police officer who knew Gentile when he worked her area of town. He also found himself swept up in her orbit and accusations. With the help of a sympathetic senior member of the District Attorney’s office who recognized the injustice of the accusations, Avrech spent years uncovering and untangling the sordid relationship between Gentile and the department, eventually clearing his name of any wrongdoing, and playing a big role in identifying the real killer.
Avrech’s account of the story is full of twists, shocking developments, and is a thrill ride from start to finish.pch101 Amazon United States August 6, 2021
This is based on a true murder.
This was a very interesting read. I was a San Diego Police Officer during the time period in this book. I did know Officer Larry Avrech as we both worked the same substation but we both moved on to other substations prior to this murder.
I had no idea that Larry was involved in the Donna Gentile murder investigation. I had read about the murder in the newspaper. I didn't learn of his involvement until I read the book.
I feel Larry was the target because he was so interested in solving the murder which he continued to work even after he was terminated.
I can attest to the politics involved in this story, they were very real.
I congratulate Larry for his determination and courage. He suffered a great loss. Plus writing the book for others to understand his tenacity to finish and tell the true story.
Best wishes for your next book. I am looking forward to it.Kaaren Reed
The corruption continuum is alive and well in this book. Larry Avrech describes how his life was changed forever as a result of the treatment he received from his fellow officers for a heinous crime he did not commit. I can't imagine working in an environment where you can't trust the officer next to you. Hopefully Donna Gentile's case will be solved so her family can have closure and justice. Good read.
Keith Touchberry Police Chief
Real people, true story, great history.
Once you start reading this book it’s hard to put down. If you have an interest in true crimes, police work or forensics this book is for you. I do not know Larry, but I know and worked with many of the individuals in this book. I worked for S.D.P.D for 20 years doing C.S.I work. I read about Donna’s demise in the newspapers before my career. I always wanted to know more and Larry gave me all the answers. I also now have a good idea who burglarized my Santee Condo in the late 70’s.
Roger Worthington
A testament of courage!
How this Man survived everything they put him through is a miracle! This book is a true testament of the courage of this officer who only wanted to help people and make a living for his family! He needed to clear his name and worked tirelessly to achieve that goal! I applaud him for finding the real killer of Donna and finding some justice for her family! It is always the unknown questions that the families of murder victims have that keeps their souls in turmoil! Larry gave Donna's family those answers they so much needed! Is a great read!
Idaho Sunshine
You won't be disappointed
It's a fantastic book! I worked with Larry as a dispatcher and he's out detected any detective around with this one!!! Detailed, accurate, and spot on with his characterization of the politics of the San Diego Police Department (and certain specific officers in particular)! A great read that you won't be able to put down.
Patricia E. Peterson
Brother in Blue terminated for his Integrity
A murder that was covered up for reasons unknown and Mr. Avrech paid for this woman's death with his career. He has fought until now to clear his name and has been strong enough to endure all that came his way. Unfortunately the killer/killers are still out there. Seems as if politics and corruption came into play with the cover up. The question remains who? God bless Mr. Avrech and Ms. Gentile.
Gary Capuano
I enjoyed your book and found it hard to put down. I never really knew much about the real story. Some of it really surprised me. I remember some of the people mentioned and others I worked with. Thanks for writing this book - the real story needed to be told.
Gregory Best
Former police officer Larry Avrech’s carefully documented story about the brutal murder of a prostitute whose private and professional life and ultimate death was inextricably intertwined with local law enforcement.
Connie Zimmerman
A must read to learn ‘the rest of the story’
For those living in San Diego during these years this book tells the whole story. A recommended read for anyone that wants to fill in the gaps.
Char
I couldn't put the book down.
Bought it for myself and gifts to family and friends. Larry Avrech is a very good story teller.
Gloria Anstine
Somethings aren't what they seem. This was a gripping story that holds the reader's attention like a super magnet!
There is some excellent focus on the assimilation of younger officers into large metropolitan police departments. It seems extremely difficult to organize thoughts and practices around the workings of this large, human organization.
Great read, especially for young cops and men and women wanting to become cops. I'm waiting for the next one!!!
Amazon Customer
Well written; rich with details; loved it! Where is the movie?
Larry Avrech, author, was an officer with the San Diego Police Department, who lost his job and writes this book in response. He appears to be a terrific guy, bright, capable, highly successful investigator. What occurred was tragic. It is difficult to imagine what any of us would have done in his situation. He lost so much. But this book is a virtual masterpiece of detective work and a vindication. You will enjoy it greatly!
Gary Laturno
Fascinating book of the seamy side of San Diego and street walkers of El Cajon Blvd. Deaths of numerous prostitute that still leave questions unanswered about a blurred line of right and wrong.
Dennis Andrews
Who Killed Donna Gentile by Larry Avrech is a well written and compelling read. Larry has shown a lot of courage and tenacity in writing this book. I read it from the perspective of not only the story but the possibility of solving who did kill Donna Gentile. Now I can't let it go!
Francine Bardole Cold Case Consultant at Intermountain Forensics
He gave a true insight of how Police Department works. He ends up alone to bring down the Department and defends all odds his rights. A True Story.
Great Novel.Louise
I'm a bit biased though because when I was reading the book I was familiar with a lot of the cases he was referring to. I'm a retired Deputy Sheriff from San Diego County.
Lisa M. Harris
Once I started reading this book I could not put it down. Having been an officer with the SDPD during the time all this was going on was a walk down memory lane. I could visualize most of the people and places that were mentioned. Larry did a good job of bringing out all of my emotions as I read through all of the terrible things that he was put through by the Department. He was finally able to vindicate himself with his faith in God and the help of a few good people. Nice job Larry my brother in tan.
Agent Greg Myers
I haven’t read the whole book yet, but it’s very well written, and I feel like I’m there at the scene!
Beth
If your not Law Enforcement, Larry Avrech gives an honest insight to the career of police work. He is an example of what happens when you chose to fight evil, walking into battle carrying the flag, only to look behind you and see you are all alone... Larry demonstrated unending strength to defend what was right and showing you have to be your own advocate. This book reveals that when it is all said and done, the only thing you have left is your character, integrity, and own good name.
Curt Voiles Former Special Investigations Divison S.I.D. and Law Enforcement Training Instructor at New Mexico Department of Public Safety
Great factual crime book. Larry went through Hell because he was an honest cop. His book hits at the truth that was being suppressed by a major police department. If you like real-life investigation by a professional you'll love this trip through darkness.
Bob Mosemak
What a page turner! I read this book in one day. I couldn’t put it down. Larry told a complex story of murders, investigations, police procedures and interactions with known prostitutes in a way that held the reader’s attention and interest. I am sad that Larry’s police career was ruined, but I am happy that he found another successful career and can finally put his nightmare to rest.
Kathy Richeson Perkin
Wow! This is one of the best books I have read in a very long time. At first I thought it was going to be a novel about a murder someone followed but when I read closer, I realized the author was a victim who was just trying to do his job as a dedicated police officer who's heart and soul revolved around his occupation. Larry's true soul is revealed as he tries to sort out who's with him or against him as he tries to solve the murder of Donna Gentile.
I highly recommend this book for true crime lovers, you will LOVE IT!
Susan M. Hagen
Decades of hardships to clear ones name.
Not just a murder mystery but more importantly an account of an endless pursuit over decades for the author to clear his name. I commend the author for his determination and moreso for the many hardships he suffered along the way. I believe it is safe to say most people would not have such determination. This book is a must-read for those who were members of the San Diego Police Department in the 1970's and 1980's.
James Spears
The purpose of this book is about closure. The story is one cops journey through a biased Internal Affairs investigation, how he felt the department abandoned him, how this played into the media’s attempts to implicate his involvement in the murder and how he struggled to maintain his innocence. The media coverage and his termination contributed in casting a shadow over his career, his family, his deteriorating financial situation, his relationships, and his future. It’s a story how he stayed sane while supporting his family and kids with performing many part-time jobs and a niche hobby of selling comic books. Then it got worse. The only thing keeping him going through these hardships was a desire to clear his name and fine the real killer.
Bob Apostolos
Larry Avrech was a police officer in San Diego in the early 80's. After a few short years, his life was sent into a spiral when he was accused of an unprofessional relationship with a local prostitute resulting in his dismissal from the police department; a fact he vehemently denied.
Little did he know, that wouldn't be the worst of it. Shortly after she testified against him in a department hearing, Donna Gentile was found brutally murdered. Suspicion fell on Avrech, causing his life to further spiral out of control.
In his book, "Who Killed Donna Gentile", Avrech takes the reader through the nightmare of his life, and his quest to clear his name.
A shocking account of internal politics, unethical leaders and Avrech losing everything before slowly digging himself out.
Cloyd Steiger Author, Chief Criminal Investigator of the Washington State Attorney General’s Homicide Investigation Tracking System, (HITS) and Former Homicide Detective with Seattle Police Department
Larry went through Hell because he was an honest cop. His book hints at the truth that was being suppressed by a major police department.
If you like real-life investigation by a professional you'll love this trip through darkness.Amazon Customer
Amazing Read, very powerful. The author went through, "Hell". but fought for his vindication even though the deck was clearly stacked against him. Much Respect.
Teddie W.
Larry Avrech meets courage and fear in his story that waited to be told for more than three decades. This is a story of the complexity describing humans simply doing the best they can, and in that, others are sometimes harmed. A painful exploration of the realities of emerging modern policing. Current leaders and police officers can use these decades-old events as a guideline for policing today.
Just as none of us are of a single story, neither is the story of the murder of Donna Gentile. The books walks the reader through a dark period of a large city police department and other county agencies, shining light into the shadows of corruption and acknowledging those striving to do the right thing.
The story could read like a novel of deception and intrigue yet it is a telling of real events, naming real places and describing real people. I had worked for the same department as a police officer during the era described by Larry. For me, the first few pages of the book activated many of my own real memories and experiences of the people around those events. Some of those memories were painful and sad, some brought smiles. It is a necessary part of being human that allows us to face it all.
Larry’s book invites all readers and anyone with an interest in criminal justice and policing, to face the reality that policing is hard. Life is hard. Police departments are comprised of human beings, with all their strengths and weaknesses and frailties. They stumble. They fall. Yet, through it all, they rise back up to protect us.
Donna Gentile died. Larry Avrech felt persecuted and was terminated from his police career. Larry’s book may allow positive meaning to be placed around Donna’s death. Larry Avrech has found vindication.
Verified Amazon Customer
A complex and compelling story of internal politics and abuse of power in a large police agency and murder. It is written almost like a diary. My only problem was there were so many names I couldn't keep them all in proper camps in the story. The pain and injury is very apparent to the author and officer.
Toni Kief Author (Books on Amazon)
Larry's new book is a fabulous read into a world of policing that is rarely discussed. He has a great ability to captivate the reader with a story. If you like books in the genre of crime and law enforcement then this is a must-read.
Dr Carlos Vazquez Forensic Psychology Professor | Author of “Apocalyptic Psychology” | Host of IHeart Radio Show “Forensic Psychology” & Psychopharmacology Daily | Trainer on LEO response to mental illness & substance use disorders
I'm not a big-time reader but this book was hard to put down. The actual facts were riveting. Excellent read!!
Marlaine Holmes
This is a very good book. The best thing is the ability to reference the files of the case. Joseph Wambaugh is a great crime author. His storytelling drags you into the story understand the characters and makes you the detective. Mr Averich does the same. What a great story of corruption murder and an innocent officer caught up in it all.
Suzie Heller Carpenter
This is just an outstanding book and a true account of a high profile prostitute murder decades ago that involved corruption at a high level of a police department. It has many Twists and a heartfelt story of betrayal and murder. It strikes home as a retired cop from Phoenix. The story tells the real story behind the headline-grabbing deceptive narrative from the media and does so with an intensity that makes it impossible to put the book down.
I can’t wait for the movie!!!!!Forensic Fan
I believe Larry's intent in writing this story what not to necessarily dwelve into Donna Gentile's personal life, but to bring out information concerning the investigation of the events leading to her death and to the investigation following her death. I consider it to be informative and enlightening.
Samster from Sedona, Arizona
Through reading “Who Killed Donna Gentile,” I discovered a whole new world of police, prostitutes and private investigators.
Larry Avrech systematically wove a detailed, convincing case exonerating him from his police colleagues’ accusation of murdering prostitute Donna Gentile. The author endured the great emotional stress of being fired, poor, abused by colleagues, and strained by divisive family relationships. Nevertheless, he coolly used his keen skills of observation and analysis to prove his innocence in part by connecting seemingly unimportant details. Each piece of the puzzle is explained clearly in a detective thriller style until the author tracks down the killer. I enjoyed getting an insider’s view of how the San Diego Police Department works along with detailed knowledge about the relationship between the police and prostitutes.
It was also fascinating to read how the author solved challenging cases as a private detective. For example, he described in detail how he located a daughter’s father that had been missing for 28 years. Detective Avrech tracked him down in just half an hour.
Bill Borden Director, American Insights from Stockholm, Sweden
"Donna Gentile was a working prostitute in the City of San Diego, California. As a former SDPD officer and Vice Detective myself, I am all too familiar with the sex-for-money business in my home town. I am also very familiar with how The San Diego Police Department had a habit of throwing fine officers under the bus for simply not being what we used to call "fair-haired boys".
Such was the case with the author, Larry Avrech. This gritty tale of how the San Diego Police Department conducted and egregiously mishandled Internal Affairs investigations revolves around the victim of a gruesome homicide that had many in the department pointing fingers at each other.
Gentile had a way of dragging officers into her world in an effort to benefit herself. She had a habit of attaching herself to several officers and supervisors, participating in off-duty activities that normally would be cause for termination of those officers involved. She gamed the system to the max. Avrech had the misfortune of crossing paths with her. When he became aware of serious breaches of policy, ethics and just plain common sense -- all of which are germane to being an honorable police officer -- he made the mistake of assuming the department would back him as he pointed out the more serious of these offenses. Instead, he was hounded, threatened and ultimately terminated for his efforts; guilty only of not being a "fair-haired boy".
Avrech subsequently became a successful private investigator, as did many former officers -- myself included -- who had treadmarks on our backs, and ultimately linked several serial murders together helping close several cases including that of Donna Gentile.
"Who Killed Donna Gentile?" is a well-written and excellently documented procedural that provides an honest look into the world of a police department operating at times on the wrong side of common decency. I highly recommend it."
Joe Coyle Former SDPD officer and Vice Detective retired sergeant, National City Police Department
This is wonderfully written "page turner" of a book the truth of which is meticulously documented. It is a record of how a good cop, Officer Avrech, was terminated from the San Diego police force because he was suspected of consorting with a prostitute 'though he'd never done so. A cabal of higher-ups in the force not only saw to it that Avrech never got a fair hearing but conducted a series of covert "dirty tricks" against him which cost him his wife, his kids, his source of income and his reputation. They did so because, they themselves, were using Avrech as a fall-guy to cover up their own misdeeds. Things got even worse for him when the prostitute over which this charade was about turned up dead.
In this true story, Officer Avrech tells how, in his effort to clear his name, he solves the mystery of who killed this prostitute and works with a newly forming task force to find the perpetrators behind myriad serial murders while decreasing the frequency of serial killings.
This book is a must read for law enforcement personnel and laymen as well, who care to delve into the heart of what law enforcement is like.
It has plenty of realistic action in it and personally, I'd like to see it made into a movie. I'm honored to know the author of this book personally. He's a real mentch (authentic person).
Benyomin Ellegant Memphis, TN
I look at the cover and it makes me think Donna has been waiting for the truth to come out and her murderer exposed. With this book, it looks like she's about to get her wish.
Jeffery K. Bambara FL
The last great police corruption book, Serpico. This is the west coast version. The death of a street worker leads to corruption, coverup and the attempt to ruin a good officer's life. A great read and yes, the truth San Diego doesn't want you the taxpayer to know. The author, Larry Avrech is the wrongfully accused officer. In the style of Joseph Wambaugh, Larry takes you back into time and into each tense situation.
Ron Carpenter Retired Air Traffic Controller
When I first met Larry Avrech in the summer of 1985, he had been fired from SDPD due in part to testimony of a prostitute. When her body was discovered in East San Diego County, media speculation projected him as a suspect in her death, even when other prostitutes’ bodies were dropped in East San Diego County. Avrech steadfastly maintained his innocence, while losing his job and his wife. As the cloud of suspicion hung over his head, Avrech quietly went to work to exonerate himself while exposing police corruption in sunny San Diego's police department. This book is Avrech's vindication.
J. Stryker Meyer Police Reporter/Editor/Autho