About the Book

---

When John Lajoie approached a bank for a loan to start his private investigation business in 1989, he had trouble convincing anyone he could turn the operation into a success. Less than two decades later, Lajoie owns one of the largest investigative agencies in central Massachusetts and is regarded as one of the nation’s leading private investigators.  Now, in Trials and Tribulations of a Real Life Private Eye, Lajoie tells his story, explaining the decisions and actions that allowed him to turn a struggling one-man operation into a successful agency. From the details of his work on high-profile homicides cases and as a member of elite criminal defense teams to the death threats and personal struggles that come with success in a dangerous business, Lajoie describes the reality of the world of private investigation as only an expert can.

“John Lajoie has produced a truly unique book- a candid portrait of the real world of private investigation, written as only someone with years of success in the business could write it. His memoir balances professional advice with compelling stories of the reality of PI work, and is told with humor and insight.”

Michael Koryta, Edgar-nominated author, Tonight I Said Goodbye

“Lajoie pulls no punches, spares no one that which they deserve, shares credit with his colleagues, and brings more than a few surprises to the table.  Whether you’re in the PI business or not, this is an entertaining and enlightening read.”

Don C. Johnson, CLI, CII, Editor, PI Magazine, Journal of Professional Investigators

About the Author

---

John M. Lajoie is known throughout the country for his skill and experience as a private investigator, and for his dedication to the field of professional private investigation. Lajoie has turned the one-man operation he began in 1989 into one of the largest investigative firms in central Massachusetts . John is a Certified Legal Investigator, a Certified Criminal Defense Investigator, a Certified International Investigator, and a Board Certified Professional Investigator. His case experience has ranged from high-profile homicides to simple auto accidents, and his client base from the rich and famous to the homeless and indigent. He is a member of many national and international professional investigator organizations, and is frequently recognized by these groups for his outstanding work and contributions to the investigative profession and the community.   Lajoie was born and raised in Worcester , Massachusetts and now lives in Sterling with his wife, Susan, and three children.   For more information on Mr. Lajoie visit his bio.

Free Preview

---

John DiNapoli was a good cop, but a better man.  He was a hero to most who knew him; an icon.  His life was dedicated to helping others.  That is until it was cut short by bullets one cold, gray December morning in Holyoke , Massachusetts .  It was 1999 and just three days before Christmas. The community was shocked.  The manhunt was on.  And, boy, was it a manhunt.  A twenty-one year veteran cop had been gunned down while on the way to run an errand.  Officer DiNapoli didn’t know what hit him just before his life ended.  He didn’t have to die.  At least not like this.  Ten bullets riddled his white unmarked Crown Vic.  Five bullets hit the officer; one shattered his aorta.  He never had a chance.

And neither did Eddie Morales.  He knew what he did. And as he had done throughout his life to avoid responsibility, he ran.  He didn’t know any better. Eddie Morales had been running since he was a child.  The twenty seven year old from Arroyo, Puerto Rico was a product of the environment in which he knew and grew; one that was void of direction, love, proper parenting, and discipline; one that was full of neglect, anger, desperation, and crime; and one that involved drugs and guns.  But guns don’t kill people; people kill people..... Why?  I’ll bet the family of John DiNapoli asks why each and every day.  I know I do.  I can’t stop asking why!  Perhaps it’s because I keep searching for an answer that can’t be found.

It was about 9:00 a.m. on December 22, 1999 when Police Officer John DiNapoli responded to a disturbance call at the intersection of Sargeant and Walnut Streets in Holyoke , MA .  DiNapoli was on his way back to the police station after dropping another officer off at Juvenile Court when he decided to take the call.  Because he was assigned to administrative duty at the Holyoke Police Station, DiNapoli was in plain clothes, unarmed, and without vested protection.  Although his unmarked vehicle had police lights above the rear view mirror and a siren, DiNapoli never activated them; no one knows why.  After chasing Morales with the unmarked white car about three hundred fifty yards through an alley and into an intersection, Eddie Morales emptied a 9mm semi automatic handgun through the front windshield of the car fatally wounding John DiNapoli. And then he ran….