Though I enjoyed the first book, I was rather disappointed in this follow up. I felt as if the story dragged a bit. I did not find the set up convincing but the pace is fast. It is an ugly story, really and the ending isn't altogether satisfying. It underscores the brutality of criminal enterprises, the frustration of honest law enforcement and the ease in which people on the front lines get corrupted and burn out. This story differs from the first in that it is darker, less funny, and ramps up to the high octane, pulse-pounding excitement of a true thriller at around 80%. The plot and characters are credible, but they lack the bounce and the zip that made the first book so memorable. Nevertheless, I love Alice Vega and eagerly await the next in the series.