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Detective Joe Erickson is the lead detective in the murder cases of Perry Gardiner and Gina Whitmore. The victims were killed and then burned beyond recognition, so the Chicago PD had to use dental records and DNA testing to uncover their identities. Perry and Gina were cousins living together. Gina moved in with Perry after she lost her job due to budget cuts. The more Joe digs into the relationship between Perry and Gina, the more he realizes that Perry was emotionally and sexually abusive towards Gina. Later, Joe even finds out that Perry had stolen ransom money for the kidnapping of a girl. As Joe delves deeper into the investigation, the list of potential suspects continues to grow exponentially.
Johanson’s novel revolves around abusive relationships, exemplified through the characters of Gina and Perry. Although the murders in the story may seem simple at first glance, they are actually multifaceted and considerably complex. The author gradually examines Perry's interactions with other characters and his changing personality. Initially presented as a tidy and organized person, Perry's character undergoes a significant negative transformation. The author sharply contrasts Perry's personality and physical appearance, describing him as both impolite and a "bum." Each character in the story has a distinctive voice that sets them apart, and their dialogues offer valuable insights into their personalities. For instance, Joe is portrayed as a determined and detail-oriented detective who never gives up and is unafraid of solving mysteries. The numerous twists and turns present in this book are sure to be appreciated by readers.
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