Cybil Lewis is a Private Investigator in the area that was once Washington, DC. She is a former District Regulator and still maintains friends in the force, but she has been known to show them up in solving the cases that end up in her lap.

This time out, she is visited by Agents Lynn and Winsome from the Midwest Territory and is recruited to aid in their investigation for an escaped criminal. Nico Mars has been freed from his "Cradle", a stasis unit where he was receiving psyche therapy. He was convicted of murder, larceny and other nefarious conduct in Washington. As he was a Regulator in DC, he was moved to the Midwest District for unknown reasons.

It is up to Cybil to find out the truth of what Nico really did, how he escaped, and why he would come back to DC and not head for parts unknown. Also adding o the investigation is the death of a community activist, two attempts on Cybils life and the arson of her wauto.

There are some surprises that are discovered during the investigation. And of course the wealthy, the lawyers, and the police corruption have to be confronted in order to get to the final truth.

One thing about Kurtz's writing is she always makes room for some unusual food references and visits Big Mike's Jazz Bar and The Cored Apple to keep her strength up during her adventures.

Kurtz is always a fun read and this is no exception. Cybil Lewis is one of those characters that is quick to remember and enjoy. If you are not familiar with her adventures, there are three others out there for you. This volume is highly recommended.