New Crime Thriller Based on LAPD Detective’s Gripping True Story

MEASURED DECEPTION by Richard E. Kalk and T. Ann Pryor

LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, April 1, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- MEASURED DECEPTION is the first installment of Richard E. Kalk and T. Ann Pryor’s riveting new crime thriller series inspired by the real-life experiences of Richard E. Kalk, an award-winning LAPD detective.

In 1984, when a young, gay Black man was murdered on the night of his graduation, his friends came forward with information for the detectives that would lead them to their number one suspect — an informant for the FBI.

Despite these leads, Kalk retired having never obtained justice for the victim. But the suspect — his personality and extreme intellect, as well as his hubris and ego — stuck with Kalk, and led to the creation of MEASURED DECEPTION.

MEASURED DECEPTION follows the story of Sergeant Nick Blaine, a battle-worn detective with 20 years on the force. When Blaine is tasked with investigating the brutal murder of Ainsley Brown, a young, charismatic gay man living unapologetically in the vibrant social scene of Los Angeles, he quickly discovers that this case will test his skills — and his very soul — like never before.

As Blaine delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers the twisted motives behind Ainsley’s murder, which ultimately leads him into a dangerous cat-and-mouse chase with a killer who will stop at nothing. But the case doesn’t end there.

With his steadfast partner, Detective Phillips, Blaine navigates a treacherous path through a cesspool of drugs, sex and murder. As the investigation takes them from the streets of Los Angeles to the bayous of Louisiana and back, Blaine must find a way to solve the case, even as personal demons threaten to consume him.

MEASURED DECEPTION is the first in a thrilling series featuring Detective Nick Blaine. As the series continues, fans can expect more high-stakes cases. The second book, already in the works, will feature a little-known bomb threat made during the 1984 Olympics and an unexpected pickup basketball game between the LAPD and the Chinese Men's Basketball Team.

For years Richard Kalk was partnered on the LAPD with Joseph Wambaugh, author of the true crime book THE ONION FIELD, which inspired the 1979 film by the same name. Kalk and Wambaugh shared a deep friendship, both on and off the force, for over 50 years.

Their partnership spanned multiple movies and TV shows, including THE NEW CENTURIONS and THE ONION FIELD, where Kalk co-starred alongside Ted Danson and James Woods. Kalk also served as a consultant for the iconic TV series POLICE STORY.

After retiring from the LAPD in 1990, Kalk dedicated himself to founding a museum to honor the legacy of his beloved department. Over a decade, he personally collected artifacts, worked with the city, and raised funds to establish the museum. One of the museum's most successful events has been the annual Jack Webb Awards, which has hosted A-list celebrities like Bob Hope and Jack Webb, the iconic star of DRAGNET.

"This series is a way to honor the stories, friendships and experiences I had during my time with the LAPD," said Kalk. "It’s about real lives, real cases and the unrelenting search for justice — even when the system fails."

MEASURED DECEPTION is available on Amazon and other popular retail outlets where books are sold.

AUTHOR BIO

Retired LAPD detective Richard E. Kalk is a jack-of-all-trades. After a long and storied career in law enforcement he went on to found the LAPD Historical Museum in Los Angeles. He has also consulted for and co-starred in a number of TV shows and Hollywood blockbusters.

T. Ann Pryor is an award-winning writer and author of the popular essay collection: ALL I NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED FROM THE GOLDEN GIRLS, available on Amazon and other places you buy books.

Tiffany Bridgwater-Rowe
Tiffany Bridgwater-Rowe, Author
in_a_tiff@me.com
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