Norco '80: The True Story of the Most Spectacular Bank Robbery in American History
Who Would Like This Book:
This book is a true crime rollercoaster - fast-paced, thorough, and absolutely gripping. Houlahan dives deep into the events of the infamous Norco bank robbery and gives readers a vivid look at both the flawed robbers and the courageous, sometimes less-than-prepared police who faced them. If you love meticulously researched nonfiction that doesn't shy away from both the action and the human stories behind big historical moments, this is for you. Fans of courtroom drama, the evolution of law enforcement, and anyone curious about high-octane true crime will find something to love here.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers found the level of detail a bit overwhelming - there’s plenty of background on every character and minute descriptions that might bog down those looking for a straightforward narrative. If you’re not a fan of courtroom scenes, or you dislike profanity in dialogue, this book may test your patience. A few also felt that the trial chapters dragged compared to the action-packed robbery and chase.
About:
'Norco '80: The True Story of the Most Spectacular Bank Robbery in American History' by Peter Houlahan delves into the infamous Norco bank robbery that took place in May 1980 near Los Angeles, Southern California. The narrative covers the intricate details of the robbery, the ensuing intense gun battle between the perpetrators and law enforcement, and the subsequent manhunt. Through extensive research and interviews with those involved, Houlahan provides a gripping and comprehensive insight into the world of armed criminals, the challenges faced by law enforcement, and the profound impact of the incident on the community and the legal system.
Houlahan's writing style vividly portrays the characters involved in the heist and its aftermath, drawing readers into a complex story that seamlessly weaves together multiple perspectives. skillfully navigates between the high-stakes drama of the robbery itself, the courtroom proceedings, and the long-term repercussions on law enforcement practices in Southern California. Readers are taken on a compelling journey that sheds light on the intricacies of the case, the psychology of the individuals involved, and the broader implications for policing tactics and procedures.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include depictions of violence, trauma, and discussions around PTSD.
From The Publisher:
5 young men. 32 destroyed police vehicles. 1 spectacular bank robbery. This "cinematic" true crime story transports readers to the scene of one of the most shocking bank heists in U.S. history-a crime that's almost too wild to be real (The New York Times Book Review).
Norco '80 tells the story of how five heavily armed young men-led by an apocalyptic born-again Christian-attempted a bank robbery that turned into one of the most violent criminal events in U.S. history, forever changing the face of American law enforcement. Part action thriller and part courtroom drama, this Edgar Award finalist for Best Fact Crime transports the reader back to the Southern California of the 1970s, an era of predatory evangelical gurus, doomsday predictions, megachurches, and soaring crime rates, with the threat of nuclear obliteration looming over it all.
In this riveting true story, a group of landscapers transforms into a murderous gang of bank robbers armed to the teeth with military-grade weapons. Their desperate getaway turns the surrounding towns into war zones. And when it's over, three are dead and close to twenty wounded; a police helicopter has been forced down from the sky, and thirty-two police vehicles have been completely demolished by thousands of rounds of ammo. The resulting trial shakes the community to the core, raising many issues that continue to plague society today: from the epidemic of post-traumatic stress disorder within law enforcement to religious extremism and the militarization of local police forces.
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