We Own This City

by Justin Fenton
We Own This City cover
Good Books rating 4.42
True Crime
Technical
  • ID: 3713
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9780571356638
  • Publisher: Faber & Faber
  • Published: 2021-02-23
  • Reviews: 3

We Own This City delves into the shocking true story of the Gun Trace Task Force, a group of Baltimore police officers who were once celebrated for their efforts to combat drug and violent crime. However, behind their heroic facade, they were involved in a web of corruption, stealing drugs, money, and manipulating the system. The book explores the complexities of power, trust, and the consequences of unchecked authority./n/nSet against the backdrop of Baltimore's 2015 riots and surging crime rates, the narrative unfolds as these officers' actions come to light, revealing a dark underbelly of law enforcement. The book not only recounts the events but also raises critical questions about the institutions meant to protect and serve.

Reviews
BookMunch · 2022-03-16
compelling 4.50

The reviewer praises Justin Fenton's ability to manage the complex strands of the story, highlighting the intricate web of police corruption. They find the narrative compelling and well-researched.

The reviewer at BookMunch is impressed by Justin Fenton's skill in weaving together the complicated threads of this true crime story. They note that Fenton does an exceptional job of managing the various strands of the narrative, which include the actions of both the police and the criminals. The reviewer finds the book to be a gripping account of police corruption, praising its depth and the thorough research that went into it. They also mention that the book sheds light on the systemic issues within the police force, making it a significant contribution to the genre.

Quick quotes

    Fenton does a great job of managing what have to be said are furiously complicated strands.

    The book is a riveting account of police corruption.

    Fenton's detailed reporting makes for a compelling read.

The Washington Post · 2021-03-26
gripping 4.75

The reviewer finds the book to be a gripping account of the elite Baltimore cops who became criminals, highlighting the shocking depths of systemic corruption.

The Washington Post reviewer describes 'We Own This City' as a gripping account of the elite Baltimore cops who became criminals. They highlight the shocking depths of systemic corruption within the police force, noting that the book puts concerns about police misconduct to rest. The reviewer praises the detailed reporting and the vivid portrayal of the events, making it a compelling read that exposes the stark contrast between the power bestowed on these officers and the lack of power and dignity afforded to the communities they were supposed to serve.

Quick quotes

    The gripping new book puts that concern to rest.

    The full story of Baltimore's infamous Gun Trace Task Force and the shocking depths of systemic corruption within which it operated.

    The book exposes the stark contrast between the power bestowed on these former officers and the lack of power, agency, voice, and dignity.

The New York Times · Rosa Brooks · 2021-02-23
significant 4.00

Rosa Brooks compares this book to another on police forces, noting the gripping nature of the story and the shocking revelations about police corruption. She finds it to be a significant and important read.

In her review for The New York Times, Rosa Brooks compares 'We Own This City' to another book about police forces, highlighting its gripping narrative and the shocking revelations about police corruption. She finds the book to be a significant and important read, praising its ability to take readers inside the police force and expose the systemic issues within. Brooks notes that the book is not just a thrilling account but also a critical examination of the ongoing struggle between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Quick quotes

    The astonishing true story of one of the most startling police corruption scandals in a generation.

    The book takes readers inside two police forces, exposing the systemic issues within.

    A significant and important read that sheds light on the ongoing struggle between law enforcement and communities.

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