3.5 stars which is a better than average score for me. Different set of characters this time around but a similar despair as law enforcement struggles against the perpetual wave of loss caused by the drug industry. The background on Scott characters are always fully realized leading to some pretty lengthy stints when nothing happens but in the end the books always keep me interested and with strong endings.

This was at least my 3rd book this year dealing with hopelessness of drugs in America and they've all been pretty depressing (Dope by Sara Gran set in the 50's was awesome and Long Bright River , set in contemporary Philly, by Liz Moore was also very good. But none of these have very many uplifting moments.

Anybody have any suggestions for books about murder, mayhem and maliciousness that are uplifting? Send them my way.