V.I. Warshawski - best known through Kathleen Turner's representation of her in the '80's - is not your typical detective, and this is not your typical detective story. If you're looking for Mickey Spillane or Erle Stanley Gardner type grit, this isn't the place. Thus, I would classify this more along the lines of a detective story for the fairer gender. Still, Paretsky manages to write a gritty detective novel while weaving her stories in such a way that her reader's get an idea about the inner lives of her characters. Vic has problems outside of the detective business, and Paretsky incorporates just enough of the daily chore of living into the story without letting it overwhelm the reader. By the end, you can feel you're reading about a friend, and you can cheer when she wins because you know her. Another great thing about this novel, Paretsky has managed to keep a positive sense of life throughout, despite the trials that Vic faces. Vic has it hard, but there's no whining deprecation to the character. All in all a wonderful book to curl up with on a Sunday morning while you have your coffee.