This story is like those Russian dolls toys. Each "pieces of Michael's story" hide another piece until you get to the little tiny doll "story" at the heart of the novel. Jack's piece of Micheal's story. I liked this one. If only because it gave us a glimpse of Jack that the show hasn't yet. But.. you need to know the show to appreciate the novels even more in this one because there are a lot of things that aren't said but that you know and impact on the narrative (like Ianto and Jack's relationship) Toshiko's unrequired love for Owen, etc.