In this intricate, psychological mystery, Joel Stabler takes the life of his beloved brother Danny in what appears to be a mercy killing. When Joel's lawyers assign a psychologist to determine his sanity at the time of the shooting, the full story of the brothers' past and long family history of mental illness begins to unfold. Told entirely through Joel's pre-trial interview sessions with Dr Andrews, this novel takes on the argument of nature versus nurture, closely examining the factors that prompted this murder. And as Joel responds to the doctor's probing questions, he in turn begins to evaluate the doctor, stealing glimpses of his notes and speculating about his personal life. As we listen in on their conversations, it becomes less and less clear whom to trust, what is certain, or where the truth actually lies.