This novel starts out with a character who doesn't even want to be alive.

Then his newspaper employer sends him on an assignment that gets a lot of people angry.

He becomes a fugitive, seeking allies out of former criminals, debutantes, and bitter has-beens in government to discover the truth behind a big conspiracy.

In the process, it explores the connection between real secret societies, private education, and the government.

All thriller readers love a good conspiracy, and this book does a good job of pitting one man with a ruined reputation against an all powerful 'they'.

It is a satisfying read.