Ms. Pamela Winfield, author, Surrey, England
I admire the plotting, was not expecting the end and am still not sure that these men should have been seen as guilty, but as an ex lawman, Steven knows that obviously there are no grey areas.


Francis O'Laughlin, Former Sheriff, St.John's Co. Florida
This book represents a police world most patrolmen recognize, the temptations are present, but the majority remain true to their oath. It was a story I found interesting that played itself out to a not so obvious ending.


Peter Sidelko, Belleview, Florida
I will never forget the story. I have never read a police/mystery novel as unique as yours! The "character development" - I initially thought it was too much - but realized that everything was important to the ending. The characters in the story became "real" and "familiar."


Lawton G. Taylor, Jr.
"As someone who has been around law enforcement all their life,I could appreciate...the 'stories' within the story."


The Book Reader Spring/Summer 2000
Come along while a cop with 25 years under his belt spins a thriller. There were no unacceptable acts...


Book Description
A police crime novel concerning two young deputies and their efforts to bring justice to a small Florida town. Events twist and turn as bodies are discovered and evidence is assembled, eventually leading to the question, can and do police do that? Crossing the Chalk Line is a story about men who do the wrong things for the right reasons.


From the Inside Flap
Come along while a cop with 25 years under his belt spins a thriller. The author wore the badge as deputy sheriff in north Florida and he unravels his quarter century of experience, lingo and insight in this murder mystery. What makes this story stick is a thread of fear that his characters will be too effective in the response department. "Both believed that any act or deed by (cops) to suppress and prevent criminal activity was justified. There were no unacceptable acts." The premise is understandable, given the moxie of today's criminal mind and a justice system these guys perceive as Swiss cheese. That's why stories appear about throw-down guns, instant evidence and lie-witnesses. Richardson develops a pair of likeable partners in this page-turner. Both in their '20's, excellent condition, dedicated to the cause. Sidney had college, money and family pedigree. Mark was ex-Marine, more primal, a good street cop with "a strong sense of justice." Then there's Sergeant S.A.M. Washington, the first man of color to achieve that rank in the panhandle town. He, too, was ex-Corps. Richardson weaves-in lady loves, cop shop talk and backwoods mysterious misdeeds. Readers learn to fill their noses with Vicks before entering a homicide scene thick with blowflies, to cover tire tracks and footprints with garbage lids as protection from the rain. And they watch cops avenge murders when technicalities set a killer free. Where do you draw the line? And what if you cross that line? --The Book Reader Spring/Summer


About the Author
Steven retired from law enforcement to pursue a writing vocation after 25 years of fighting crime and injustice. He has a Master of Science Degree and a lifetime of diverse experience. He is a native of Florida. Proud of their community, the Richardson's contribute back into it by volunteering their time to different organizations. This is Steven's first book but he is working on another crime story.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Crossing the Chalk Line is a police crime novel concerning two young deputies and their efforts to bring justice to a small Florida town. Events twist and turn as bodies are discovered and evidence is assembled, eventually leading to the question, can and do police do that? Crossing the Chalk Line is a story about men who do the wrong things for the right reasons.
We hope crime mystery readers will enjoy the book. Steven draws from his experiences and has a lot of stories to tell.
About the Author
Steven H. Richardson retired from law enforcement to pursue a writing vocation after 25 years of fighting crime and injustice. He has a Master of Science Degree and a lifetime of diverse experience. He is a native of Florida. Proud of their community, the Richardson's contribute back into it by volunteering their time to different organizations. This is Steven's first book, but he is working on another crime story.

FROM THE CRITICS

The Book Reader

Come along while a cop with 25 years under his belt spins a thriller. The author wore the badge as deputy sheriff in north Florida and he unravels his quarter century of experience, lingo and insight in this murder mystery. What makes this story stick is a thread of fear that his characters will be too effective in the response department. ￯﾿ﾽBoth believed that any act or deed by (cops) to suppress and prevent criminal activity was justified. There were no unacceptable acts.￯﾿ﾽ The premise is understandable, given the moxie of today￯﾿ﾽs criminal mind and a justice system these guys perceive as Swiss cheese. That￯﾿ﾽs why stories appear about throw-down guns, instant evidence and lie-witnesses. Richardson develops a pair of likeable partners in this page-turner. Both in their ￯﾿ﾽ20￯﾿ﾽs, excellent condition, dedicated to the cause. Sidney had college, money and family pedigree. Mark was ex-Marine, more primal, a good street cop with ￯﾿ﾽa strong sense of justice.￯﾿ﾽ Then there￯﾿ﾽs Sergeant S.A.M. Washington, the first man of color to achieve that rank in the panhandle town. He, too, was ex-Corps. Richardson weaves-in lady loves, cop shop talk and backwoods mysterious misdeeds. Readers learn to fill their noses with Vicks before entering a homicide scene thick with blowflies, to cover tire tracks and footprints with garbage lids as protection from the rain. And they watch cops avenge murders when technicalities set a killer free. Where do you draw the line? And what if you cross it?

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

I admire the plotting, was not expecting the end and am still not sure that these men should have been seen as guilty, but as an ex lawman, Steven knows that obviously there are no grey areas. — Pamela Winfield

I stayed up until 3 AM reading the book -- getting page turner's disease in the bargain. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.  — Ollie Hone

Great story line! Steve Richardson was a dedicated law enforcement officer who served his community well. His first hand knowledge of police work shines through in his first novel, Crossing the Chalk Line.  — Jim McMillan

This book represents a police world most patrolmen recognize, the temptations are present, but the majority remain true to their oath. It was a story I found interesting that played itself out to a not so obvious ending. — Francis O’Laughlin

I will never forget the story. I have never read a police/mystery novel as unique as yours! The ￯﾿ﾽcharacter development￯﾿ﾽ -- I initially thought it was too much -- but realized that everything was important to the ending. The characters in the story became ￯﾿ﾽreal￯﾿ﾽ and ￯﾿ﾽfamiliar.￯﾿ﾽ

The ending was so final. — Peter Sidelko