If I had to use one word to describe this book, it would be 'gritty'. This is one of those classic mysteries filled with corruption, vice, and shady dealings in smoke-filled rooms. The mystery itself was only so-so, but the characters were great - conflicted and perfectly slimy. My rating for the story itself would probably be higher - 4 stars. But, I listened to this in audio and the narrator had the bright honest voice of a boy scout. For me it was a disconnect to have that voice selected for a corrupt political plot of this story.