In an utterly realistic, noir novel, the reader follows the actions of Tom Farrell as if someone was walking behind him with a camera.

After release from prison, Farrell gets a job as a night doorman on Park Avenue. Across the street is a hotel and Farrell watches the armored car pick up money on a regular basis. He also makes note of the times of radio car patrols.

He puts together a team for the heist. The last person added was an Irishman named Durkin. Although the robbery went smoothly, Durkin had other ideas of what to do with the money. He takes a shot at Farrell but misses, Farrell shoots back and wounds Durkin. Farrell's accomplices take care of the rest and do away with the body.

Not long after Durkin is at the bottom of the Harlem River, Farrell learns that he was a member of the IRA.

The next step is to find a fence for the jewelry taken from the hotel. Farrell and his gang travel to the home of an Armenian but there is an altercation when the Armenian tries to rip Farrell off.

Later, when Farrell and his gang are celebrating at a bar, the Albanians arrive and Farrell narrowly escapes with his life.

The story seems taken from a person from the hardest places in New York and the Bronx. It tells of the disintegration of a man and the many things that can go wrong when someone commits a crime and numbs their mind with drugs and alcohol. It also teaches us of what life can be like on the streets and the misery of a person's life. ( )