In his first book from a major publisher, Fitzsimmons (Confessions of a Catholic Cop
) takes an unblinking look at the psychological disposition of two South Bronx police officers whose entire world comprises criminals and other cops. After spending time with noncriminal civilians while playing a small role on the TV drama Law & Order
, veteran cop Michael Beckett finds himself with an overwhelming desire to leave the department and lead a more normal life. Beckett's friend and partner, Vinnie D'Amato, knows Beckett is hiding something, and he doesn't like it one bit. Meanwhile, someone is setting up the duo to take the fall for a series of deadly fires. D'Amato and Beckett struggle to re-establish their bond of trust as they solve the crimes. Gritty realism and fascinating interactions more than make up for a paucity of plot. (Mar.)
