Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets

by David Simon
Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets cover
Good Books rating 4.38
Investigative Journalism
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Format • £12.34
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  • ID: 2626
  • Added: 2025-10-15
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781847673114
  • Publisher: Canongate Books
  • Published: 2008-01-01
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 4

Homicide provides an unprecedented look inside Baltimore's homicide unit, where reporter David Simon was granted unlimited access. Through vivid storytelling, Simon captures the gritty details of casework and the personal toll it takes on detectives. The book delves into the systemic issues that contribute to a culture of violence, offering a stark and eye-opening perspective on crime and its consequences. Simon's immersive reporting brings to life the human stories behind the statistics, making this a compelling read for anyone interested in true crime and investigative journalism. Beyond the gripping narratives of individual cases, Homicide explores the broader social and political factors that shape urban crime. Simon's work is not just a chronicle of homicide investigations but also a critique of the institutions meant to address them. The book's raw and unfiltered portrayal of the criminal justice system challenges readers to reconsider their understanding of violence and its root causes.

Reviews
The Storygraph · bethbolton · 2025-10-15
mixed 3.00

The reviewer finds the book too long and feels it could benefit from an abridged version. Despite this, they acknowledge its compelling content and David Simon's unique perspective.

Beth Bolton from The Storygraph has mixed feelings about this book. They find it way too long and wish for an abridged version to make it more digestible. However, they do acknowledge that David Simon's unique perspective and the compelling content make the book worth reading. The reviewer appreciates the depth of information but feels that the length detracts from the overall experience.

Quick quotes

    David Simon rattles on and on for pages.

    This book is around 600 pages, and it is way too long.

    I would love to read the abridged version, if someone wants to make one.

The P. Smiths · 2023-10-09
remarkable 4.50

The book is an unsparing and relentless portrait of homicide detectives, capturing the grim reality of their work with deep affection. It offers a raw and unfiltered look into the lives of those who serve in the homicide unit.

The reviewer praises 'Homicide' as a remarkable book that doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of police work. They appreciate the deep affection and respect shown towards the detectives, highlighting the book's ability to capture the grim and relentless nature of their job. The reviewer also notes that the book is not about the glamour or drama often associated with police work, but rather the everyday, often thankless, tasks that these detectives undertake. The book is seen as a powerful and moving tribute to the institution and the people who serve within it.

Quick quotes

    Homicide is a remarkable book: an unsparing, relentless, and ultimately deeply affectionate portrait of the homicide detectives and the institution they serve.

    It's not about the glory and drama of police work.

    The simple fact is that this book isn't about the heartbreak or the crime or even the social issues.

2For66 · 2019-03-28
brilliant 5.00

The book is a gripping and brilliantly written true account of a year in Baltimore's homicide department. It is praised for its authenticity and the depth of its portrayal of the detectives' work.

The reviewer expresses a deep appreciation for 'Homicide', calling it a gripping and brilliantly written true account of a year in Baltimore's homicide department. They highlight the book's authenticity and the depth of its portrayal of the detectives' work, noting that it offers a unique and unfiltered look into the lives of those who serve in the homicide unit. The reviewer also mentions that the book is a must-read for fans of true crime and police procedurals, offering a powerful and moving tribute to the institution and the people who serve within it.

Quick quotes

    I loved it.

    Brilliantly written true account of a year in Baltimore's homicide department.

    Gripping enough to last.

LiveJournal · inverarity · 2014-04-19
brilliant 5.00

This is considered one of the best true crime books, blending gripping storytelling with deep insights into crime and justice. The reviewer praises its narrative mastery and impact, especially in relation to 'The Wire'.

This reviewer really loves this book, calling it the best true crime novel and one of the best non-fiction novels they've ever read. They highlight how David Simon's work here is a masterclass in narrative and storytelling, making a complex year of homicides into a compelling read. The reviewer also notes that this book was a major inspiration for 'The Wire', and that its insights into crime and justice are both riveting and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets is the best true crime novel and one of the best non-fiction novels I've ever read.

    For The Wire alone I would recommend this book, but it stands on its own as a gripping and insightful read.

    Simon's ability to weave together the stories of these homicides into a coherent and compelling narrative is nothing short of brilliant.

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