Cain's novels are so logically paced and careful to establish only the bare minimum required plot elements to edge the story to its conclusion the result is as excellent a lesson in the power of concision as any. This novel is no exception. The dialogue crackles. The morality gets real gray. The racism and violence against women is... sigh... also here. A product of its un-woke time. If those aspects aren't too annoying for you this novel is a great way to spend a few hours.