Picture a gritty crime novelist who traded a badge for a pen, crafting tales that pulse with the heartbeat of the streets—meet Frank Zafiro! A former US Army linguist and decorated police officer, Zafiro channels his two decades in law enforcement into bestselling crime fiction that’s as authentic as it is thrilling. His River City series, set in a fictionalized Spokane, Washington, hooks readers with its raw, character-driven stories of cops and criminals navigating moral gray zones.
But Zafiro’s more than a writer—he’s a storyteller who wears many hats, from podcast host to mentor, leaving an indelible mark on the crime fiction world. Ready to dive into his gripping universe? Let’s explore the man behind the badge-turned-bestseller.
The Making of Frank Zafiro
Born with a knack for languages, Frank Zafiro served in the US Army from 1986 to 1991 as a Czechoslovak linguist in Military Intelligence. After his military stint, he joined the Spokane Police Department in 1993, rising through the ranks from patrol officer to captain over a 20-year career. His time on the beat, commanding SWAT teams and K-9 units, gave him a front-row seat to the human drama that would later fuel his writing. Zafiro began penning stories as a teenager, but it was in 1995 that he drafted Under a Raging Moon, the first novel in his acclaimed River City series, blending his real-world experience with a flair for storytelling.
Frank Zafiro’s Unforgettable Stories
Zafiro’s River City series is the crown jewel of his bibliography, a gritty police procedural saga that follows an ensemble cast of officers like Katie MacLeod and Stefan Kopriva. Starting with Under a Raging Moon (2006), the series captures the chaos of 1994 River City as cops hunt a violent robber dubbed Scarface. Its authentic dialogue and nuanced characters draw comparisons to Joseph Wambaugh, with readers praising its ‘ride-along’ feel. Heroes Often Fail and Beneath a Weeping Sky deepen the series’ emotional stakes, tackling kidnappings and serial crimes.
Beyond River City, Zafiro’s versatility shines in the SpoCompton series, which flips the script to focus on criminals, and the Charlie-316 series, co-authored with Colin Conway, exploring police reform. Writing under his real name, Frank Scalise, he pens mainstream fiction, while his fantasy works appear as Frank Saverio. His style—gritty, character-driven, and unflinchingly realistic—reflects his credo: the good guys usually win, but never without a cost.
Zafiro’s prolific output includes over 50 novels and dozens of short stories, earning him a #1 spot for police procedurals on Amazon and four Derringer Award nominations. His podcast, Wrong Place, Write Crime, offers fans a peek into the genre through author interviews, cementing his role as a community builder.
Why Frank Zafiro Matters
Zafiro’s impact lies in his ability to humanize the badge, portraying cops as flawed, resilient heroes navigating personal and professional turmoil. His insider perspective lends authenticity that resonates with readers and fellow writers, making River City a touchstone for modern police procedurals. By teaching writing workshops and mentoring new talent, Zafiro nurtures the next generation of crime authors, ensuring his influence endures.
His stories also bridge divides, offering nuanced takes on policing in a polarized world. Whether through the lens of a rookie cop or a hardened criminal, Zafiro’s work invites readers to grapple with morality, duty, and redemption, leaving a lasting impression on the genre.
- Birth Date: Not publicly available
- Key Works: River City series, SpoCompton series, Charlie-316 series
- Awards: Four-time Derringer Award finalist, multiple PSWA awards
- Fun Fact: Zafiro is an avid hockey fan and self-proclaimed ‘tortured guitarist’!
Snag Under a Raging Moon and dive into Frank Zafiro’s thrilling crime fiction today—you’ll feel like you’re patrolling River City’s streets!