The book is a vivid and affectionate portrait of homicide detectives and their work, blending descriptive passages, explanations of investigative processes, and meditations on the nature of the job. It's a compelling read that offers insights into the pressures and dynamics within the homicide unit, making it both informative and engaging.
The book is a remarkable and unsparing portrait of homicide detectives and their work, offering a blend of vivid descriptive passages, lucid explanations of investigative processes, and lyrical meditations on the nature of the job. It's a compelling read that delves into the pressures and dynamics within the homicide unit, providing a deep understanding of the challenges and camaraderie among the detectives. The book is not just about the cases but also about the institution and the people who serve it, making it both informative and engaging. The historical context and the changes in policing over the years add another layer of depth to the narrative, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in crime and policing.
Quick quotes
Because in a police department of about three thousand sworn souls, you are one of thirty-six investigators entrusted with the pursuit of that most extraordinary of crimes: the theft of a human life.
It’s a little bit a book about the cases, especially three big ones that recur throughout the narrative: John Randolph Scott, shot while fleeing the police but for whom no one in the department will claim responsibility; Gene Cassidy, a patrolman who miraculously survived being shot in the head but whose case becomes a personal crusade for his homicide sergeant friend, and especially eleven-year-old Latonya Wallace, found raped and eviscerated in a Reservoir Hill alley one February morning.
Simon is writing at the peak of what Jill Leovymemorably labels the “big years” of American murder.