Customer Reviews
Reportage for an era... - By: bloodsimple, 05 Jan 2009 
If you were putting books into a time capsule, wanting to tell future generations what life was like, you'd include this. It's that good.
Fans will know that David Simon co-wrote The Wire, probably the best piece of television for at least 20 years, if not ever. If you want to know how that all started, & where it got its' biting authenticity, novel-like sweep, attention to detail, & editorial bravery; well, it's all here.
Simon was given an opportunity that, frankly, will never come again. No-one now is going to ever let a reporter follow every single aspect of life as a homicide detective, & then spill the guts of all those involved. Simon had a chancein a million, & took it. In some ways, it was an open goal - the stories & the characters & the circumstances tumble out of their own accord - dramatic, sad, blistering, banal, wretched & inspiring. But it is still a testament to Simon's skill as both a fiction writer & a journalist, that he pulled it together so coherently.
Quibbles? As another reviewer noted, as it was writtenin the 1980s, some aspects of investigation & policing (especially forensics) have overtaken it. But then, it is a period piece par excellence, & no less evocative for not being current.
What struck me above everything else was that the bodies simply kept coming. It might sound obvious; given that every murderin a year is described. But for me, this is the ultimate power of the book. There are no pat endings, rounding up & squaring off; it is simply a waterfall of bodies & lying.
If you haven't seen The Wire (shame on you!) this is an ideal introduction. If you have, this fillsin some of your questions & musings. If you simply want to know what life was likein a North American cityin the late 1980s, this will show youin excruciating, brilliant detail.
A modern masterpiece - By: Oldevers, 09 Dec 2008 For fans of The Wire this is where it all began. David Simon taking a year out from his job at The Baltimore Sun & spending it with the city's Homicide unit.
The result is a masterpiece. Homicide is a brilliant piece of journalism, getting under the skin of Baltimore's violence & into the way of life & minds with the men charged with solving murders that pile up at alarming rate. It is so well written that it reads like a piece of fiction & you have to keep reminding yourself that the events being recounted are real - as are the police, victims, families, suspects & perpertrators.
Simon has a talent for using the details, no matter how small, to bring the bigger picture to life. The picture that emerges is a disturbing onein the toll that violence takes on society & the underlying reasons for the violence.
It is as also a fascinating portrayal of the detectives, the skill, strength, stamina, tactics, motivation of a small unit of men & troubles that they face.
Book of the year for me! - By: L. N. Tait, 03 Dec 2008 I don't normally write reviews but after such a brilliant book, I think it would be rude not to.
The author's style of writing matches the subject perfectly, & the black humour appealed to me throughout the whole book.
David Simons knowledge is undeniable & you can tell that he has researched this thoroughly.
Because of this book I have started watching 'the wire'(how did I miss that series when it came out?), & they have complimented each other perfectly.
Thanks for a cracking read.
Excellent, if now dated - By: catholic reader, 26 Nov 2008 
I read this when it first came out, & thoroughly enjoyed it, someone borrowed my copy & never returned it - a crime there, surely. It was equally as impresive the second time around although it is dated, the events being almost 20 years ago, & the police procedures & politics being a bit like reading earlier booksin Ed McBain's 87th Precient series (e.g., reading about the 50sin the late 70's, the same time gap involvedin reading 'Homicide' now). It comes across as a gritty, realistic, not completely flattering account of the officers & their job at that time. Even the postscript updates add to the enjoyment. Although changes were obviously underway evenin 1988, it still seems to involve a Force that attempts to investigate & detect crime, rather than 'spin' it. I doubt Simon could do the same again. Force politics, PR attitudes & even the effect TV images has had on the officers' presented self image would getin the way
Read this and die happy. - By: Colin D., 19 Nov 2008 This book is so readable. The writer is a true talent. You will learn, be entertained & informed. Buy or share it with your kids, spouse , friends & grandparents. I lost my first copy on a flight & I was upset. My wife replaced it to please me, also so that she can read it. This is better than The Wire. Enjoy.
