The narrative captures the rise and inevitable decline of notorious Prohibition-era gangster Jack "Legs" Diamond through the perspective of his legal counsel. Marcus Gorman, a lawyer who abandons his conventional political aspirations, becomes entangled in the volatile orbit of Diamond and his mistress, Kiki Roberts. As the trio navigates the high-stakes environment of the 1920s and 1930s, Gorman observes the intersection of celebrity, violence, and the legal system. The story unfolds as a retrospective account, examining the moral compromises required to maintain proximity to a figure defined by his criminal notoriety and public spectacle.

Discussion often centers on Kennedy’s ability to humanize a historical villain without resorting to romanticization. Readers frequently highlight the sharp, cynical tone of the narrator, which provides a necessary distance from the chaotic life of the protagonist. Critics often point to the novel's success in establishing the tone for the broader Albany cycle, noting its focus on the intersection of personal ambition and historical circumstance. The pacing is frequently described as deliberate, favoring character study and atmospheric detail over rapid-fire action sequences. Many readers appreciate the balance between the gritty reality of the criminal underworld and the theatrical nature of Diamond's public persona.