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baconsaur's review against another edition
4.0
Fascinating look into the police process. Unnerving to read the chapter about a police officer’s trial for murder while watching the news about Derek Chauvin and realize how little things have changed since 1988. There’s an uncomfortable dehumanization of the suspects, victims and community, but likely an honest perspective from the department.
tomspencer93's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Without doubt one of the best books I have ever read.
Despite covering such a harsh and brutal subject matter, Simon is able to show the true experiences of all actors with honesty. It is hard to understand the world he is experiencing, but his writing is a truly valuable place to start.
Despite covering such a harsh and brutal subject matter, Simon is able to show the true experiences of all actors with honesty. It is hard to understand the world he is experiencing, but his writing is a truly valuable place to start.
mboling's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
informative
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
3.0
nicklindgren's review against another edition
5.0
A relentless, warts-and-all, all-around superlative look at life as a homicide detective in the Baltimore Police Department, circa 1989. This is a powerful book that can change a person - I have little to add to the glowing praise that has already been heaped on this work.
lakecake's review against another edition
4.0
As a huge fan of "The Wire" from HBO, it's no surprise that I am also pretty much in love with this book. It's a powerful piece of non-fiction that exposes a part of American culture that no one wants to acknowledge. Although Baltimore is the setting, and brings with it very specific scenes and events, this could really take place in AnyLargeCity, USA, and I imagine similar-yet-different scenarios playing out in Homicide offices anywhere. Warning for sensitive souls--this book is full of foul language, raunchy humor, and potentially racist rants, but I think it just adds to the charm. It's a real portrait of men in the trenches of a war on the streets.
shuzhens's review against another edition
5.0
Amazingly detailed, and at once tragic, poignant, ironic, and funny, a rarity for the true crime genre. I came away with tremendous respect for both the author and the Baltimore homicide department.
notschshelby's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Injury/Injury detail
ashleybreader's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
4.25