Homicide: - Books (David Simon, Paperback)

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Customer Reviews of Homicide:

bloodsimple
nottingham, uk
5th January 2009

Reportage for an era...

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, and where it got its' biting authenticity, novel-like sweep, attention to detail, and 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, and then spill the guts of all those involved. Simon had a chance in a million, and took it. In some ways, it was an open goal - the stories and the characters and the circumstances tumble out of their own accord - dramatic, sad, blistering, banal, wretched and inspiring. But it is still a testament to Simon's skill as both a fiction writer and a journalist, that he pulled it together so coherently.

Quibbles? As another reviewer noted, as it was written in the 1980s, some aspects of investigation and policing (especially forensics) have overtaken it. But then, it is a period piece par excellence, and 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 murder in a year is described. But for me, this is the ultimate power of the book. There are no pat endings, rounding up and squaring off; it is simply a waterfall of bodies and lying.

If you haven't seen The Wire (shame on you!) this is an ideal introduction. If you have, this fills in some of your questions and musings. If you simply want to know what life was like in a North American city in the late 1980s, this will show you in excruciating, brilliant detail.

Oldevers
Nottingham, UK
9th December 2008

A modern masterpiece
For fans of The Wire this is where it all began. David Simon taking a year out from his job at The Baltimore Sun and 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 and into the way of life and 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 and you have to keep reminding yourself that the events being recounted are real - as are the police, victims, families, suspects and 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 one in the toll that violence takes on society and 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 and troubles that they face.

L. N. Tait
UK
3rd December 2008

Book of the year for me!
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, and the black humour appealed to me throughout the whole book.
David Simons knowledge is undeniable and 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?), and they have complimented each other perfectly.
Thanks for a cracking read.

catholic reader
Hong Kong
26th November 2008

Excellent, if now dated
I read this when it first came out, and thoroughly enjoyed it, someone borrowed my copy and 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, and the police procedures and politics being a bit like reading earlier books in Ed McBain's 87th Precient series (e.g., reading about the 50s in the late 70's, the same time gap involved in reading 'Homicide' now). It comes across as a gritty, realistic, not completely flattering account of the officers and their job at that time. Even the postscript updates add to the enjoyment. Although changes were obviously underway even in 1988, it still seems to involve a Force that attempts to investigate and detect crime, rather than 'spin' it. I doubt Simon could do the same again. Force politics, PR attitudes and even the effect TV images has had on the officers' presented self image would get in the way

Squire.
Oxford United Kingdom
19th November 2008

Read this and die happy.
This book is so readable. The writer is a true talent. You will learn, be entertained and informed. Buy or share it with your kids, spouse , friends and grandparents. I lost my first copy on a flight and I was upset. My wife replaced it to please me, also so that she can read it. This is better than The Wire. Enjoy.