Pierce tries to track down this woman and soon gets enough clues to determine that she is missing and quite possibly in danger. Although not physically nor mentally ready for such an effort, Pierce allows himself to get tangled in the mess that led to her disappearance, eventually getting suspected of her possible murder.
As is typical with Connelly books, this one is quite clever, nonetheless, it lacks the greatness of his Bosch books. While good enough, the book is flawed by the weakness of the main character, whose self-destructive actions are sometimes beyond the comprehension of the reader. Also, the story is neither as original or as daring as it could be. For example, one scene towards the end of the book (involving his ex-girlfriend) is reminscent of a similar scene in The Poet; and the promise of seeing the seamier side of life is never fully realized. Few will be disappointed in this book except for the die-hard Connelly fans, who while enjoying this work, will know that he could have done even better.
Following an acrimonious breakup with his girlfriend Henry Pierce has a new start, a new apartment, and a new telephone message waiting - but, it's not for him. The caller is looking for a prostitute by the name of Lilly, whose telephone number is listed on a sex for hire web site.
Henry is a technological whiz, a go-getter whose company is about to make a major breakthrough and he's working or "chasing the dime" to raise the needed funds.
He surmises that Lilly probably had his telephone number in the past, and he also guesses that she is now in deep trouble. Because of a past personal loss Henry feels compelled to search for and try to help the mysterious Lilly.
However, some doors should never be opened because he soon finds himself in a vicious world that he could not have imagined in his worst nightmare.
Readers will never suspect the stunning climax of this high octane tale, but they certainly will enjoy guessing all the way.
- Gail Cooke