4.5 stars, so one of my higher ratings. It's interesting as I went into this book with lower expectations even though Brian Freeman has become on of my very favorite authors. The reviews in Goodreads just didn't seem as good as most of his books. My opinion is just the opposite and I feel it is one of his very best that I've read so far. I am playing catch up as I'm late to the game on this guy which means I still have a lot to look forward to. Very topical. Takes a touchy political subject and presents both sides with equal fervor. And as always, great mix of personal and professional characters with solid mystery and action sequences and nobody paints a better picture of a cinematic scene than Freeman. Highly recommended and I'm going looking for Stride #9!