Inside an old apartment building buffeted by a heavy winter storm, the quiet neighborhood of Duquesne Heights is the scene of a horrifying murder. An old woman's body, surrounded by blood and scattered roses, waits for some form of resolution. A young Pittsburgh detective is destined to answer this unspoken request. Cain Machinovic, a man of grinding resolve, is hovering on the brink. Solving homicides has peeled away layers of this young man's soul. Weary of his job and seven years of senseless bloodshed, the disturbing sight of Kendra Holland's body somehow re-ignites his determination. In Cain's Mind, solving the old woman's death might help restore his battered psyche. He vows to bring closure to the remains of an old lady's existence. In the wintry streets overlooking the Point of Pittsburgh, and with a newly rekindled light in Cain's somber soul, his quest begins. Life is never conveniently uncomplicated. The case becomes as monstrous as the twisted remains of Kendra Holland. The effort to solve this crime will tear apart his relationship with two women, and lead him into a morass of murder spanning nearly six decades. Unfortunately, as he closes in on a suspect, he finds that two people remain on the killer's list. Only Cain and the slayer know what's coming next. The evil criminal has a number in mind and is counting down the final days of each victim. Waiting for this killer is a man on fire with unyielding purpose, a man determined to stop the numbers from increasing... Review: Laurel Johnson, for Midwest Book Review Tate's novels always have three exceptional features: unique characters, fascinating plots, and the ideal location to complement said characters and plots. His first mystery novel is no exception. The main character, Pittsburgh detective Cain Machinovic, is a meticulous, single-minded savant when it comes to solving crimes. Cain's investigative techniques tend to be a little odd. He's not very likeable, but has gained his fellow police officer's respect. Cain's ex-girlfriend, Gretchen Adams, describes his personal and professional persona as "half animal, half machine." Gretchen owns a forensic lab with an intriguing sideline, her gift for criminal profiling. You'd think she and Cain would be the perfect fit, but his weird obsession with crimes and solitary suffering are too much for her to bear. Still, whenever Cain needs insight into criminal behavior, he turns to Gretchen. Sari Palmer, a young detective assigned as Cain's new partner, joins Cain as he encounters a case that has him stymied. At first she despises his idiosyncrasies and perceived arrogance. But she watches, learns, and is drawn to his peculiar methods. Cain thinks he's searching for a possible serial killer with an obsessive-compulsive mania for colors and numbers. The fun and fright of this mystery chiller is watching Cain work his way through the clues, and watching the battle between Gretchen and Sari to repair the damaged soul of Cain. If you like mystery novels, you'll have fun with this one. It has enough red herrings and twists to keep readers hooked from beginning to end.