I really enjoy these books. Ian Rutlegde is a very interesting character. Thinking about him in light of the recent Arizona events makes me ponder the nature of mental illness. He would clearly classify as someone in need of an intervention (hearing voices), yet manages to be an outstanding detective. I do know he is fictional, but what if some similar condition is actually expreienced by highly functioning people? I guess functioning is the answer... Anyway, the novel is a bit contrived, but still very satisfying.