I've been in law enforcement for twenty-three years, seven with the Milwaukee PD and sixteen with the San Francisco PD. I am the author of two nonfiction books about urban law enforcement. My debut novel The Ascent came out in January of 2024. It was a USA Today bestseller and has been optioned by Universal for television. Some folks have had some nice things to say about it: 

​

“The Ascent is jaw-dropping, authentic, and absolutely gripping.”―Harlan Coben, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of I Will Find You

"Damn! I had to hold onto this one for dear life. THE ASCENT is a ferociously propulsive thriller. Plantinga creates a haunted house of horrors that’s utterly convincing, while at the same time keeping the focus on complex, layered, and engaging characters. An outstanding debut crime novel."―Lou Berney, Edgar award-winning author of November Road

“If JD Salinger had been a street cop, he’d have written books like Adam Plantinga’s. This book is the real deal - flesh and blood characters, charming wit, and an insider’s pass to a one-of-a-kind white knuckle ride. Plantinga will soon join the ranks of Child and Connelly.”―Douglas Brunt, New York Times bestselling author and host of Dedicated with Doug Brunt on SiriusXM

“Not since Joseph Wambaugh released The Choirboys has a cop thriller delivered this level of authenticity, and The Ascent wears it like a badge. In his debut novel, Adam Plantinga weaves a jailhouse tale that serves up thrills from the first chapter through the final page. The book’s protagonist, a world-weary Detroit cop, is a revelation. Watch out, Jack Reacher—Kurt Argento has arrived, and he’s putting his rivals in the shade.”―Nancy Allen, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“The Ascent is a fantastic thriller that stands apart from the crowd—a high-test, high-stakes action spectacular with true thrills, true grit, and genuine heart. You’ll find the full spectrum from darkness to light between these covers, with a refreshing breeze as the pages fan by. Adam Plantinga is here to stay.”―Sean Doolittle, Thriller award-winning author of Device Free Weekend

"Adam Plantinga's debut novel, THE ASCENT, is a red hot blast of crime and punishment, and crackles with sly wit and a jaded authenticity that has been hard-earned by Plantinga's many years as a street cop. THE ASCENT is so damn good that I will read anything else Plantinga cares to write, including his grocery list."―Nick Petrie, author of The Price You Pay

"THE ASCENT is terrific—a brutal portrait of a tough cop in an unforgiving world. I loved it."―Robert Crais, bestselling author

"Pulse-pounding, cleverly plotted, fast-paced—expertly made entertainment."―Kirkus Reviews, starred

"The knockout first novel... Once readers catch their breath, they’ll be clamoring for more from this rising star."―Publishers Weekly, starred