Very strong. It's nice to see a modern book that realizes a good story doesn't the language and sex that some other authors feel is mandatory. Bertrand has put together a strong character in Roland March--a detective past his prime and punching out, following the demise of his daughter. Haunted by guilt and in the middle of an existential crisis, March has lost his partner, and is only holding onto his position in homicide by riding the wave of good detective work he put in the past when a new case intrigues him. This case brings him out of the bout of depression he's in and he begins to return to who he was. The plot was strong, the characters intriguing, but it was the emotional and psychological issues that are able to be worked into the plot that really cause Bertrand's work to shine. He's able to discuss concepts of loss, repentance, forgiveness, revenge, and justice coming from various angles, many through the lens of Christians (who March just can't quit accept). If you're looking for a solid murder mystery, a solid look at the influence of loss on lives without having to wade through dross to find it, then here's a great place to start.