The action of this novel focuses upon organized crime, which Leonard presents in all its sleazy criminality; however, in addition to dramatizing the corruption of the mob, he implicitly criticizes aspects of U. S. law enforcement. The initiating event of the action, which moves between Florida and Italy, is a government plan to make a bookmaker, Harry Arno, the fall guy in an assault on the mob, specifically Miami Beach gangster Jimmy (Jumbo) Capotorto. One of the least appealing characters in Leonard's motley cast is the FBI agent in charge, who sees no ethical problem about making someone a scapegoat, even at the risk of the man's life. For agent McCormick, the end justifies the means: "Listen to me.

McCormick says, 'Or work it so Arno does get whacked and you bring Jumbo up on homicide.' He says, 'What would be wrong with that?'...