This is a character driven novel that is based on a strange friendship and sequence of events that occurred prior to this story (read Crimson Lake to get the deets). Amanda is a character that has a sordid history but also has social issues even though she's a pretty damn good detective. Conkaffey is also a man with a sordid history that is following him but he is on his way to finding the truth of what happened as he investigates a new murder with Amanda. Readers will like the different personalities of the main characters and that each are not perfect at all but perfect partners for each other. You'll get mystery, suspense and character-driven story with this one! Highly recommended for those that enjoy crime books but also want to have some relationship-oriented stories as well.