The book is a powerful and detailed look at the life of homicide detectives in Baltimore, offering a raw and unfiltered perspective on the challenges they face. It's praised for its authenticity and the way it captures the grim reality of the job, with some noting the dark humor and occasional dryness in the narrative.
This book provides a relentless and comprehensive look into the lives of homicide detectives in Baltimore, offering a warts-and-all portrayal that is both powerful and authentic. Readers appreciate the book's ability to capture the grim reality of the job, with many highlighting the dark humor and the occasional dryness in the narrative. The book is seen as a call to action, highlighting the systemic issues that hinder effective policing. While some find the extended chapters and dense information challenging, the book's trust in the reader's intelligence and its unflinching portrayal of the detectives' world make it a compelling read. The book's similarities to 'The Wire' are noted, with many praising its gritty atmosphere and the way it exposes the broken nature of the system.
Quick quotes
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.
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.
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.