This is the first book in the Carlotta Carlyle series. It is in the same tradition as other female P. I. series such as Sue Grafton. Carlotta is single and moonlights by driving a cab. In this book you will also be introduced to her somewhat wacky roommate and her mob connected boyfriend as well as her "little sister", Paolina. Carlotta is very independent and after all is said and done, seems to want to do the best thing for people. In this book she is hired by an elderly lady to find her missing brother who turns out to be involved with the IRA. There are other twists and the ending came as a surprise to me. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to others; especially to those who like "hard boiled" type mysteries with a female protagonist.