In one of their first cases, investigators Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro found missing four-year-old Amanda McCready. They returned Amanda to her mother but felt that her mother was of dubious character and they wished that they could have brought the little girl back to a better home. Now, Amanda is sixteen-years-old and her aunt, again, asks their help.

The setting remains the streets of Boston with the homeless, the abandoned, shuttered homes and for many, lost hope.

The economy in 2009 is hurting and unemployment is soaring. Many people who had decent jobs and could support their families are now on the streets. Angie is at night school and Patrick's income is barely enough.

Beatrice McCready, Amanda's aunt, discloses that Amanda's mother, Helene, isn't providing a good home. Helene is often neglectful and often drinks to excess. Beatrice believes that Amanda is missing and Helene is hiding the fact.

At first, Patrick didn't want to take the case. However, he and Angela have a four-year-old child of their own and when Patrick and Angela talk about bringing Amanda back to an unfit mother, they decide to take the case.

They find that Amanda is an honor student at high school and a Harvard scholarship await her if she finishes her courses. They also learn that Amanda's friend Sophie disappeared with her.

The story follows the path of the two girls and a black market baby selling operation. Amanda is on the run and has two items that the leader of an eastern European gang wants. The gangster is a meth user. He's as ruthless as they come and not totally balanced.

Dennis Lehane is a new father and at a recent mystery conference stated that he wanted this novel to be a statement on the economy and parenthood. He has accomplished both goals in an excellent addition to the legend of Kenzie and Gennaro.