This is the final Burke novel. If that means something to you then go buy it right now. If it doesn't, then don't start with this one. Start with Strega or Flood and read on up through the series. This series is noirish combined with realism. Mr. Vachss has seen first hand what he writes about and tells the stark truth about it all. Burke is a career criminal, raised by the state, who operates within a group of chosen family, that is they are bonded but not by blood. As Mr. Vachss has said in interviews they would kill or die for each other.
In this book Burke is tapped to locate the kidnapped child of a Saudi prince who is desperate to get his child back. Burke is an enemy to those who prey on children so it is assumed that he can find the kidnapper. He does this in exchange for favors that help several of his chosen family. I will not go into the ending but will say that it ends as it should although I am sad to see the series go. My words do not do justice to the writings of Andrew Vachss but I advise you to pick up one for yourself.
Also check out Vachss's other books such as Shella, The Getaway Man, and Two Trains Running. He also does short fiction and "Placebo", one of my all-time favorite short stories is in his collection Born Bad.
As always, leave a commen whether or not you agree and you can reach me at jeffsemonis at yahoo.com.
