Both Sides of the Law: The Casper Halliday NYPD Series by Eric Steven Rankin dives deep into the moral complexities and gritty realities of law enforcement in New York City. The protagonist, Casper Halliday, is a fresh, intriguing character—a young NYPD cop trying to navigate the dangers of both the streets and his personal demons.
This book starts with a vivid look at Halliday’s life before joining the force, showing the challenges he faced and the influences that led him to choose this path. From a troubled childhood shaped by family strife to his determination to escape the clutches of his circumstances, Halliday’s backstory adds layers to his character. He’s not just any cop; he’s someone who understands firsthand the tough line between right and wrong, especially in a city where those boundaries are often blurred.
Rankin does an exceptional job crafting the atmosphere of New York, from the bustling precincts to the neighborhoods thick with crime. The story’s pacing allows readers to feel the intensity of Casper’s job, with scenes that capture the tense, sometimes chaotic rhythm of an NYPD officer’s life. Encounters with criminals, moral quandaries, and corrupt systems are all woven in seamlessly, creating a world that feels as much a character as Halliday himself.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its exploration of Halliday’s internal conflicts. As he gets more involved in high-stakes cases, he faces temptation and confronts his own moral weaknesses. The title, Both Sides of the Law, underscores a key theme: Halliday sometimes toes the line between justice and revenge, making decisions that push the boundaries of what’s legally or morally acceptable. This element adds a raw, authentic quality to his character, resonating with readers who enjoy a complex hero with shades of gray.
Rankin’s writing style is descriptive yet fast-paced, ideal for a story rooted in action, suspense, and psychological depth. The supporting cast, from fellow officers to dangerous criminals, are memorable and enhance the tension in Casper’s life. Each character is well-developed, and Rankin ensures they serve a purpose in the overarching narrative, whether they’re allies or antagonists in Halliday’s journey.
For readers who enjoy a crime thriller with a psychological twist, Both Sides of the Law stands out for its blend of gritty realism and moral ambiguity. Rankin doesn’t shy away from showing the darker side of policing, and he allows readers to sympathize with Halliday even as he makes choices that may not align with the law.
Product details
- ASIN : B07GTYMBJV
- Publisher : (August 25, 2018)
- Publication date : August 25, 2018
- Language : English
- File size : 4470 KB
- Simultaneous device usage : Unlimited
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 373 pages
- Best Sellers Rank: #161,693 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
