<DIV>A gritty and ferocious debut novel written by an LAPD officer who continues to patrol the streets he writes about, <i>L.A. Rex</i> is the story of Ben Halloran, a seemingly fresh-faced rookie assigned to L.A.'s most violent precinct-in the gut of South Central. Partnered with old-school cop Miguel Marquez, the two plunge fast and deep into the city's burgeoning gang war-and it soon becomes clear that they won't be able to emerge again unless Ben faces the demons he's running from once and for all. Bristling with the energy and authenticity of the author's experiences as a working policeman in South Central L.A., this is a literary thriller that doesn't just unfold. It explodes.<BR><BR></DIV>