When ex-cop Jim Weir discovers his sister has been brutally murdered, he initiates a private investigation that pits him against the very police department he once served. Weir must navigate a landscape of corruption and personal betrayal as he searches for a killer who may be hiding behind a badge. His objective is to uncover the truth behind his sister's death while contending with a wall of silence from his former colleagues. The narrative follows Weir's perspective as he balances his grief with the logical demands of a complex, multi-layered investigation in Newport Beach.

This novel is widely regarded as a significant entry in the hardboiled tradition, praised for its sharp prose and intricate plotting. Critics have noted that the work successfully builds upon the momentum established by the author's earlier successes in the genre. The narrative is frequently cited for its ability to balance intense personal stakes with a broader critique of institutional corruption. Readers often highlight the tension created by the protagonist's isolation as he navigates a hostile environment. The book remains a staple for those interested in the evolution of the modern police thriller.