My first introduction to writer Steve Thayer is in the book Silent Snow. There is no question that Steve has a sense of place. He really fills in the atmosphere of Minnesota's twin cities and really engulfs you in the Lindbergh kidnapping. Unfortunately, at least for me, I felt immersed in cliche characters. The tough reporter married to the brilliant news anchor doesn't spark any originality but that's nothing compared to the background story. All the characters were dug out of a James Cagney film. The cold-as-ice broad, the dirty cop and the tough tenacious reporter with a nose for news. After a while I didn't care at all about the situations. In addition, writer Steve Thayer falls into the melodrama. "I'm sad, I'm happy, I'm worried" type situations give the characters no complexity or interest.If you want fluff, this isn't bad but I can't justify giving it high marks for character, story, or plot.