Code Word Rose by JH Weaver is riveting read for all bibliophiles who love reading REALISTIC crime fiction. So many crime fiction authors of today spin these unrealistic almost" super hero" like tales that are all action and zero character development: JH Weaver, like Mr. Joseph Wambaugh, has BEEN there with his career as an FBI agent as much as Wambaugh was as a sergeant for the LAPD. Like Wambaugh, Weaver has obviously seen and been intimate with not only the egos and personalities of the law enforcement side, but also must have been intimate with the egos and personalities of the crooks on the other side of the law: The craft of making the reader like or dislike ALL the characters is the magic of a great author: I felt like I was on a personal "ride along" with Weaver, as he navigates the politics of the FBI, while also working with his undercover operations: For those of us that grew up in San Diego County in the 1980s and 1990's, outlaw motorcycle gangs were an intimidating force in East County, and San Diego was notoriously known as the "Meth Capital Of The Nation." This book encapsulates and gives the reader an inside peek into the world and culture of outlaw motorcycle gangs, and also into the world of the FBI. It was a nostalgic tour around east county, as Weaver beautifully illustrates all the hangouts and landmarks of what makes "America's Finest City" while also beautifully encapsulating the relationships between informants and law enforcement, and the fine line between business and friendship. This is just a captivating crime novel and the reader will wind up feeling almost like they know every character in the book by the last page. It was gritty, informative and at times, emotional to read. I have not read a crime novel this good since the latest Joseph Wambaugh Hollywood Station series. I only hope we will get similar stories from, JH Weaver.