Although the setting has moved from the desert country of Hillerman's other novels to the concrete and pavement of Washington, D.C., Lt. Joe Leaphorn and Officer Jim Chee are once again the somewhat uneasilypaired protagonists, both drawn to the city unofficially in pursuit of information about two seemingly unrelated incidents. Both men's personalities are exemplified by the ways in which they adapt to the new environment: Leaphorn dons the three-piece suit and dress shoes that serve as the Washington uniform; Chee continues to wear his comfortable boots.

Janet Pete, who has moved to Washington at the behest of her former law professor and current lover John McDermott, is beginning to question the rightness of the move and the validity of her feelings for McDermott. The first signs of her discontent are her telephone call to Jim Chee and delight at deal with the renegade Highhawk who is...