I love how a battle with dementia/alzheimer's is wrapped up in a thriller. There is the integral struggle that exists for any family coping with a declining family member. But at the same time the frightening question of what happens when a trained killer begins to lose himself.

The main character, Daniel is equal parts innocence and brutality. And the whole story begs the question of nurture versus nature. Is Daniel a product of the Old Man's influence, or was it biologically his nature.

The dynamic of difference between Daniel, his father and the Old Man is like a family album. As in so many families, there are traits that skipped from grandfather to grandson. The father in the middle is the foil for both.

This story is sad, exciting, gritty and tender. ( )