Brockton Author to Pen Book on Karen Read Murder Trial

BROCKTON, Mass. — A Brockton author has secured a deal to write a book about the high-profile murder trials of Karen Read, a case that has captivated national attention. The book, titled “Cop Town: Scandal, Corruption and Murder in Suburban America,” is slated for release in 2026 and will be available in hardcover, paperback, e-book, and audiobook formats.

The case centers on the death of Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe, who was found dead outside a Canton home in January 2022. Prosecutors allege that Read struck O’Keefe with her SUV after a night of heavy drinking, while her defense team claims he was killed by individuals inside the home. The first trial ended in a hung jury, and a second trial is scheduled for April. Read faces charges of second-degree murder.

Author Dave Wedge, a Brockton native and seasoned journalist, described the case as a complex and emotionally charged story. “It’s a story of a woman fighting for her life, a story of justice delayed for the O’Keefe family, and a tale of how several families and communities have been torn apart in a very public fashion,” Wedge said. “It’s become a sensational national true crime story, but at the end of the day, it’s about the people involved, how it’s impacted their lives, and most importantly, whether anyone will be held accountable for John O’Keefe’s death.”

Wedge emphasized that the book will not take a stance on Read’s guilt or innocence. “There’s a lot of questions on both sides,” he said during a Friday phone call. “The case has destroyed many lives, and my goal is to present the facts and let readers draw their own conclusions.”

This will be Wedge’s eighth book. His previous works include “Riding With Evil: Taking Down the Notorious Pagans Motorcycle Gang,” which is currently being adapted into a feature film, and a book about the Boston Marathon bombing that inspired the movie “Patriots Day” starring Mark Wahlberg. Wedge’s upcoming book on boxing legend Marvelous Marvin Hagler is set for release on June 17.

Wedge, a graduate of Brockton High School, has built a career covering high-stakes crime stories and sports. His deep ties to the Brockton community and his experience in true crime reporting make him uniquely qualified to tackle the Karen Read case. “This is a story that needs to be told,” Wedge said. “It’s about more than just a trial—it’s about the human cost of tragedy and the search for truth.”