Some of you have probably heard of the author (died last year, alas) Robert B. Parker.  He wrote a number of books, including the ones with a semi-alcoholic detective, Jesse Stone, as the main character.

These books (at least some of them) have been made into movies starring Tom Selleck as Jesse Stone.  If you haven’t watched any of them yet, I would recommend them.

They are quieter and more contemplative than many cop dramas, which is a refreshing change.  The stories are more character-driven than plot-driven.  They also do a good job of showing what it would be like to work as a law enforcement officer in a small town.  They are worth checking out.