A missing cleaning woman's theft of secret documents ignites a deadly investigation into Boston's corrupt political elite. Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro, private investigators hardened by their Dorchester upbringing, are hired for what seems like a simple retrieval job. However, their pursuit of the woman and the stolen papers quickly plunges them into a dangerous world where justice and morality are twisted by power. The opposing forces are the city's influential politicians who will stop at nothing to protect their secrets, and the physical and logical constraints of a gritty urban environment where truth is a perilous commodity. The narrative is framed through Kenzie's perspective, offering a grounded, street-level view of the unfolding conspiracy.

This novel marked the debut of Dennis Lehane's signature blend of gritty realism and compelling mystery, establishing him as a master of contemporary noir. Critics noted the sharp dialogue and authentic portrayal of working-class Boston, which provided a stark backdrop for the unfolding crime. The introduction of Kenzie and Gennaro was praised for their intelligence and resilience, setting the stage for their future success as a beloved detective duo. The book effectively captures the moral ambiguity and inherent dangers of seeking truth in a city rife with corruption.