G. D. Baum is a terrific writer. The book opens with a scene in which the main character is making love to his partner who has cancer. The emotion is intense and is hightened as each new character is introduced. One is suicidal. Another is a grandfatherly man who has seen his share of crime.

Baum does a great job of weaving facts about martial arts into the story and this is the part I didn't expect. This made it a great read for both genders. I would not have chosen a book about martial arts, but I love a book from which I can learn. This one certainly fit the bill.