I've always been a fan of Smith's writing, but, for better or for worse, this series is running down--the appearance of the adopted child is the "jump the shark" moment in more than one series, and a lot of this book deals with Renko's strained relationship with a stray he's picked up.

BUT this one is still worthwhile, and there are plenty more in the series to check out if you haven't yet. Good, complex hero; interesting social and psychological observations; all played out amongst one of the greatest social collapses of our time.

--eric