Please indulge my digression to start the review:

There's a review on this site that was largely unfavourable to this novel, apparently due to the author's (apparently) low opinion of the U.S., which seems to have poisoned the reviewer completely on the novel.

It's an interesting, if far from objective, or correct, viewpoint. Armstrong writes parts of this novel from the perspective of Armando Teng, a young man from the slums of Manila. His life has been rather negatively affected by the actions of Americans. Considering that, how else would you expect one to view America?

Point being, if you expect (and demand) a healthy portion of Kate Smith and flag waving from Campbell Armstrong, you've picked up the wrong book, try Tom Clancy.

In any case, our anti-hero is expat Scot Charlie Galloway, former high flyer with the LAPD, now suspended and separated from his wife, floating aimlessly through the next bar.

Charlie gets his interest piqued by the murder of Ella Nazarena, the woman who tended his house.

Ultimately, it's a pretty well-woven story from Armstrong. If you're squeamish about either violence or language, this is probably one to avoid. The characters are well built and flawed, with a generous sampling of the Seven Deadly Sins on display.

It's not a perfect novel, but it's certainly entertaining. I'd also highly recommend Armstrong's "Jig," which was as enthralling of a thriller as I've read. ( )