Interesting but less of a surprise than the first novel in this gay detective series. It could have been read before "The Butcher's Son" since the plot of the first novel had no impact on this one. Still, the mystery is complex and solid. I saw the clues and the red herrings and knew the end before I got there but the journey to the last chapter wasn't boring. Hardesty is still amusing and fun. He's like an old fashioned detective that happens to be gay so he flirts and hits on guys instead of girls.`*g* I'll read the next one just to see how he resolves the moral dilemma from this novel.