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Moccia's novel follows federal probation officer Corey Sullivan as he decides to take a case that will either further his career or end his life. After feared gangster Manu Salaber is released from prison, Sullivan takes his case without hesitation, showing just how much he cares about this job and about cleaning up the streets. The novel starts with a bang, as Sullivan and U.S. marshals are tied up with the murder of a failed rapper by a neo-Nazi. This foreshadows just how intense this novel is going to be, as well as the work and people probation officers deal with. It's worth noting that Sullivan does sprinkle in humor at times to lighten the mood.
While the parolees are pretty tough guys, like Salaber, Moccia does a fine job at showing the other side. While Sullivan is dealing with the Salaber drama, trying to convict the terrifying gangster again, he still has his other cases to work on. Not every parolee situation is the same. as in the cases of Cedric Smith and Manuel Chotto. At one point, while Salaber's case has negatively impacted his life, Sullivan is reminded of how he has helped others for the better, even when the justice system doesn't always play fair, especially when politicians are in the mix.
Moccia writes with grit and realism that reminds one of reading Ed McBain's famous 87th Precinct novels. Like McBain, Moccia does a grand job at giving detailed descriptions of the inner workings of the justice system without feeling jumbled or boring. The flow of Moccia's writing is smooth and tight without losing any important character or plot development. The plot is structurally sound, and the gritty city setting is top-notch. Those who love crime fiction will likely find the story fascinating.