The Onion Field

By: Joseph Wambaugh

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis

Hollywood. Saturday night. A broken taillight leads to a routine traffic stop. It shouldn’t have changed the lives of the four men involved, but it did. The Onion Field is the frighteningly true story of a fatal collision of destinies that would lead two young cops and two young robbers to a deserted field on the outskirts of Los Angeles, towards a bizarre execution and its terrible aftermath.

The Onion Field is the basis for the movie starring James Woods and John Savage.

©1973 Joseph Wambaugh (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

“More ambitious than In Cold Blood and equally compelling.” ( The New York Times)

“Wambaugh is the best in the business.” (Kathy Reichs)

“No other writer illuminates the heart beneath the badge better or more honestly than Joseph Wambaugh" (Robert Crais)

One of the best books I have listened to in ages

A very refreshing story told in a very unusual way - starting with the childhoods of the main protagonists and working through the crime and the subsequent drama in their lives. Fascinating details of how each of them is impacted by the crime and an enthralling read. Thoroughly recommended.

This book was so good I spent more time exercising just to listen

I recommend this book to any true crime fan. Had a great time listening to this book.

Still an amazing story

I read this book when it first came out decades ago. It still is an amazing story. Some of the characters are so bizarre that it seems like a crime novel, rather than nonfiction. The author Joseph Wambaugh did a great job.

BEST TRUE CRIME BOOK EVER

So insane that you won’t even believe it, the crime yes, but the trial(s) especially. Excellent narrator.

Pulse-pounding and gripping! Couldn't put it down!

Joseph Wambaugh, a master at storytelling, I found this book almost too heard to continue listening... he puts you right in the middle of the event! At times too frightening!