A disgraced priest and an ex-convict form an unlikely alliance to execute a high-stakes con in the gritty landscape of Detroit. Father Terry Dunn, a man of the cloth with a penchant for whiskey and evasion, returns from Rwanda to secure funds for orphans while dodging legal trouble. He crosses paths with Debbie Dewey, a stand-up comic and former inmate who is equally desperate for a financial windfall. The two characters navigate a web of deception, balancing their individual agendas against the threat of past associates who are closing in on them. The narrative unfolds through sharp, dialogue-driven prose that highlights the moral ambiguity of its leads.

Readers frequently highlight the author's signature ear for naturalistic dialogue and his ability to craft memorable, morally gray characters. Discussion often centers on the balance between the comedic elements of the plot and the underlying tension of the criminal enterprise. Critics note that the pacing remains tight throughout, typical of the author's established style in the crime genre. Many appreciate how the narrative avoids moralizing, instead focusing on the mechanics of the con and the interplay between the two leads. The book is often cited as a prime example of the author's skill in blending disparate settings into a cohesive, suspenseful story.