Black Tunnel White Magic

A Murder, a Detective's Obsession, and '90s Los Angeles at the Brink

De: Rick Jackson, Matthew McGough, Michael Connelly - foreword

Narrado por: Jim Meskimen, Michael Connelly

Detective Rick Jackson, a decorated LAPD detective and a key inspiration in the development of Harry Bosch, delivers a shocking and immersive look into the one case he could never let go.

In June 1990, Ronald Baker, a straight-A UCLA student, was found repeatedly stabbed to death in a tunnel near Spahn Ranch, where Charles Manson and his followers once lived. Shortly thereafter, Detective Rick Jackson and his partner, Frank Garcia, were assigned the case. Yet the facts made no sense. Who would have a motive to kill Ron Baker in such a grisly manner? Was the proximity to the Manson ranch related to the murder? And what about the pentagram pendant Ron wore around his neck?

Jackson and Garcia soon focused their investigation on Baker’s two male roommates, one Black, and one white. What emerges is at once a story of confounding betrayal and cold-hearted intentions, as well as a larger portrait of an embattled Los Angeles, a city in the grip of the Satanic Panic and grappling with questions of racial injustice and police brutality in the wake of Rodney King.

In straightforward, matter-of-fact prose, Rick Jackson, the now-retired police detective who helped inspire Michael Connelly’s beloved Harry Bosch, along with co-writer, Matthew McGough, take us through the events as he and his partner experienced them, piecing together the truth with each emerging clue. Black Tunnel White Magic is the true story of a murder in cold blood, deception and betrayal, and a city at the brink, set forth by the only man who could tell it.

©2025 Rick Jackson and Matthew McGough (P)2025 Mulholland Books

Reseñas de la Crítica

"A great true-crime story and a great cop memoir—about how they do it and, above all, why they do it."—Lee Child

"This is a book that is surely about killers but they don’t take the spotlight. That belongs to the detectives who work the case, whose eyes are not jaundiced and who steadily, methodically close in. In them you find humanity and hope in a city where killers are often kings."—Michael Connelly

"In the crowded field of true crime this book stands out. Skilled journalist Matthew McGough teams up with legendary LAPD homicide Detective Rick Jackson to create a page-turning narrative. Jackson investigated this compelling case and provides the kind of insight and inside-knowledge that could only come from a detective who was there for every twist and turn of the case. Black Tunnel White Magic is a terrific read!"—Miles Corwin

Overrated

The only really notable thing about this story is the almost unbelievable lack of any understandable motive for the killing. Otherwise it doesn't strike me as very interesting and much of the detail probably could have been left out, as an example the parole hearing. Also, somewhat distasteful to me was what seemed like pandering to the current (well, what was current when written) attitude regarding police malfeasance regarding race issues (mind you, I think there are serious problems with policing, but casting them as solely race issues is misguided in my opinion).

an important and compelling real life story

Glad Rick shared this with the world,a lot of important issues, especially nowadays. Wish metal health aspect was explored more

Incredible book

Fantastic characters, a dramatic, page-turner story, and excellent writing. The writers also set this true crime story in its cultural and historical context. Highly recommended.

Police Work - In Detail

As a big fan of procedurals on the screen (and Michael Connolly), this looked like a good one…and it is. But be prepared for lots and lots of interviews and interrogations. So many interviews with the same principals. I know that’s the point, but it’s so faithful to the job it also makes clear how much of it becomes drudgery. By the end, (although there’s an interesting twist)I was ready for it to be over.
Still, it was fascinating to hear a real story , told by a detective who is obviously an inspiration for Connelly’s Harry Bosch. If you’re a diehard Connelly fan (as I am), it’s probably worth a listen just for that.

A very long book but enjoyable. An honest cop!

I had to download the new Audiobook app and was extremely disappointed that the entire book was displayed on one page instead of the usual division of one chapter per page. I repeatedly had to go back into replaying the content until I could find my place since I couldn’t find where I had lost my place by touching the top or side of my telephone screen. I thus registered to portions of the novel up to as many as ten times.
Oh well, at least I got to review the various details—a plus for my daydreaming habit!!!

Captivating

Excellent book to listen to, keeps you engaged through the entire book. It is amazing in the actual process for a murder investigation and conviction.

Plot was good

A bit repetitive probably could have been somewhat shorter and read like a verbatim police or court t

Unbelievable!

An unbelievable story that is a wake-up call to the crazy shit our elected officials do to seem more woke. We all suffer the consequences.

Great Telling of True Crime

The story unfolds like a crime novel, but it is in fact true. How the author and others worked for over five years to solve this murder is beautifully told with compassion and detail that kept me riveted to this book. I couldn’t stop listening to see what twist was coming next.
I can’t believe I knew nothing about this case, living in Los Angeles county at the time, but I didn’t. Rick tells the story with enough detail and background info to make me feel like I was with him throughout his journey.
A great read and a great example of how murder investigators can go. This was great!!!
I hope there’s another one, ready to tell. I’m ready to read it!

True and interesting

This is excellent and should be read by many. Although true, it was much more; thoughts and feelings made this much more than a true story