Step into the gritty, pulse-pounding streets of 1970s Los Angeles with the Josie Corsino Mystery series, where a fearless undercover policewoman takes on crime, corruption, and gender barriers with unmatched grit. Crafted by former LAPD veteran Connie Dial, this thrilling police procedural saga blends authentic cop drama with heart-wrenching personal stakes, making it a hidden gem for mystery lovers craving raw, character-driven storytelling.
Josie Corsino, the series’ fierce protagonist, navigates a world where danger lurks in every alley and trust is a rare commodity. From drug busts to murder investigations, her journey offers a front-row seat to the seedy underbelly of Hollywood, all while battling personal demons and societal biases. Ready to dive into a series that feels like a gritty crime drama come to life? Let’s explore Josie’s world!
How Josie Corsino Mystery Began
Connie Dial, a trailblazing 27-year LAPD veteran, poured her real-life experiences into the Josie Corsino Mystery series, starting with Fallen Angels in 2012. Having joined the force in 1969 as one of the first female patrol officers, Dial rose to captain of Hollywood Division, giving her an insider’s view of policing’s highs and lows. Inspired by her career and the turbulent 1970s, she crafted Josie as a reflection of the challenges women faced in a male-dominated field, blending procedural accuracy with emotional depth.
Dial’s background as a journalist and photographer before policing sharpened her knack for vivid storytelling. Her husband, retired detective Jon Dial, serves as her first critic, ensuring the series’ authenticity. Published by The Permanent Press, the series captures the essence of a bygone era, making it a love letter to LA’s complex history and the unsung heroes of law enforcement.
The Heart of Josie Corsino Mystery
The Josie Corsino Mystery series spans six gripping novels, each plunging readers into high-stakes cases. Fallen Angels (2012) kicks off with the murder of a troubled teenage starlet, Hillary Dennis, at a Hollywood party house. Josie, a seasoned captain, unravels a web of corrupt cops and political elites while grappling with a crumbling marriage and a wayward son. Dead Wrong (2013) sees her probing a fatal police shooting tied to her trusted sergeant, testing her loyalty amidst personal turmoil.
Unnatural Murder (2014) tackles a transvestite’s killing on Hollywood’s gritty streets, exploring themes of identity and secrecy, while The Snow Raven (2020) flashes back to Josie’s 1980s narcotics detective days, pitting her against dirty cops and organized crime. The series’ 1970s and 1980s LA setting is a character itself—think neon-lit boulevards, drug dens, and a city teetering on chaos. Dial’s style is hard-boiled yet tender, weaving themes of gender discrimination, loyalty, and the cost of duty into taut, suspenseful plots.
Josie’s strength lies in her authenticity—she’s no stereotype. She’s a dedicated cop, a flawed mother, and a woman wrestling with love and loss. Her camaraderie with Lieutenant Marge Bailey, a brash, loyal ally, and Detective Red Behan, a brilliant but flawed homicide supervisor, adds depth to the ensemble. Fans of classic procedurals like Ed McBain or modern grit like Michael Connelly will find Josie’s world irresistibly immersive.
Why Josie Corsino Mystery Resonates
The Josie Corsino Mystery series stands out for its unflinching realism and its trailblazing female lead. Dial’s insider perspective demystifies police work, exposing its bureaucratic tangles and moral gray areas. Josie’s fight against gender bias resonates with readers, reflecting the struggles of women in high-stakes careers, past and present. The series has earned praise for its tight plotting and vivid characters, with Fallen Angels named a Kirkus Best Fiction pick in 2012.
Though niche, the series has a loyal following among procedural fans who crave stories grounded in real-world grit over sensationalism. Its portrayal of 1970s LA—before gentrification softened Hollywood’s edges—offers a nostalgic yet unflinching look at a city in flux, cementing its cult status among mystery buffs.
- Publication Span: 2012–2020
- Number of Books: 6
- Notable Award: Fallen Angels, Kirkus Best Fiction 2012
Grab Fallen Angels and dive into Josie Corsino Mystery’s thrilling world of crime, courage, and unforgettable characters!