​An Onion Under Glass
A Memoir



​With grit and wit, Mark Aarssen gives the reader a glimpse of the drama, conflicts and chaos that befalls a small town police force.

​His co-workers are a collection of professional cops, has-beens, slackers, and tricksters, and although names have been changed, the stories are true.

Mark realizes he is living in a complex, ever-changing world where personal values, ethics, and friendships weigh in the balance. He needs an anchor and finds faith in God, later becoming a pastor.

A perfect mix of comedy, drama and action crammed into one entertaining book!

What readers are saying

"I have tears in my eyes Mark... It is a tremendous read. Thank you."

 Mom (Janice Aarssen)
 - Wallaceburg, Ontario Canada
"It is fun to read about people and situations you knew and were part of... Good read!!!"

 Dr. Paul Fetterly
  - Arizona U.S.A.
"I really enjoyed reading your book!  I live in Corunna and I’m familiar with the Wallaceburg area, have family from there. I enjoyed how candid you were about the department and the shenanigans of Wallaceburg!"

Wendy Daye
 - Corunna, Ontario Canada
"An interesting descriptive read for non law enforcement folks into the good, bad and ugly of policing in a small town. This was at a time when manufacturing was at it’s peak and the hotels filled with hard working fun seeking patrons."

 Bill Scholtens
 - Sombra, Ontario Canada
"RAVE about Mark Aarssen’s book, “An Onion Under Glass”. If you haven’t read it, by all means, do so. I got my copy this morning and have read it through already. You’ll find yourself thinking "I remember that". Hoping there will be more to come from Mark. Damn fine writer."

 Barry Puskas
 - Wallaceburg, Ontario Canada
"I read the first 145 pages on the flight. Love your way of telling the story. Also, enjoying the story. A real page turner. I'll finish this weekend. Thank you for writing the book. Part two? The Pastor years?"

 Leah Wendy Jo Hanes 
 - California U.S.A.
"I picked up your book for my husband Darcy Kay and he thoroughly enjoyed it. He couldn’t get over the stories he had forgotten that you reminded him of. And he had a lot of fun trying to decode people’s pseudonyms on the book. He even developed a legend in the back pages of the book as a key for who was who! I just wanted to say great job and it was thoroughly enjoyed! Looking forward to your next one!"

​ Kathy Anderson
 - London, Ontario Canada
"I found myself trying to save some of the book to read the next day, but in the end, it was hard to put down. It was a great read. The story flowed from one page to the next. It is truly a heart warming, true story of a great fella that keeps you wanting more. I highly recommend this book to everyone. Hope there's a sequel. Well done Mark, you are truly a gifted writer." 

 Steve Hale
 - London, Ontario Canada
"No power and rain called for a blankie and this book today, what a great read! I love that I know all of the landmarks and even a few characters, even though names have been changed. Mark did an excellent job writing this memoir and wow the stories and events he experienced are insane! The wit and humour had me so engaged I could not put the book down."

 Chrissy Mahu
 - Wallaceburg, Ontario Canada
"We had a chance last week to sit down and read An Onion Under Glass, a memoir by former Wallaceburg policeman Mark Aarssen. We have to admit we enjoyed the book, which chronicles the decade that Aarssen spent on the local police force. First, a book set in the Wallaceburg 1970s and 80s is in our wheelhouse. It was an exciting time, and Aarssen did a good job of painting a vivid picture of a blue collar town full of bars and factories. He touches on many incidents that have become local urban legends. While the book featured a number of anecdotes set locally, the stories are interesting and funny enough that you don't have to be from the community to enjoy the book. The stories are universal, but if you spent any time in Wallaceburg in the 1980s you probably recognize the police officers that Aarssen wrote about even though he changed many of the names. Writing a memoir is challenging. It's easy to fall into the trap of exaggerating or making yourself into the perfect protagonist. Aarssen is honest. He tells of the highlights of his career, but he also tells about the lowlights and times when he failed. Kudos to the editor who did a good job organizing all of Aarssen's stories so that it flows nicely. The book starts and ends with stories about Wallaceburg murderer Peter John Peters. It explains why Aarssen was fascinated about becoming a police officer in his hometown but also helps explain why he walked away from the job as well. The book is well worth picking up."

​ - Wallaceburg Courier Press
​​ June 23, 2022

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