Homicide detective Frank Spencer is a crusty, seasoned law-enforcement professional. A functioning alcoholic, he has lost everything important in his life except his job. Mike Esposito is a rookie detective who, in many ways, is the opposite of Frank. He is an enthusiastic and conscientious rookie detective with a young family, and he has not yet become the jaded detective Frank has become. When the two pair up on a double homicide, they embark on a journey they could not have imagined. A few days later, another homicide is discovered using the same method of operation. As they work the case, they are baffled by the lack of any connection between the victims, even as they feel the murders may be connected. They begin to wonder if it is possible that there is a serial killer at large.

As a decades-long law enforcement professional, Thomas is uniquely positioned to write this unusual crime novel. His technique differs from other writers in the genre in that he manages to convey the idiosyncrasies of the homicide detective's investigative process. It is a job not always filled with exciting chases and deadly encounters, but one of meticulous, at times boring, methodical uncovering of the clues given to detectives. Frank and Mike are at times at odds with the force's bureaucracy and at other times with each other. Yet, there is an undeniable respect between the two. As the plot unfolds, readers are taken on a realistic ride-along with these two detectives that will leave them with a new appreciation for the career officers who spend their lives in service to the populace. Tight writing and a clear understanding of the detective work process lead to a shocking surprise ending. This must-read page-turner is both entertaining and informative.

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