A debut crime fiction novel, The Meaning of the Murder (2025) by Walter B. Levis is a dark narrative tale set on the streets of New York City. Eliana Golden is a police detective whose father disappeared years ago after discovering suspect bank transfers to the Middle East. Eliana is married to Danny Mc Partilain, a fellow police officer and a contrast to Elinia’s somewhat unconventional policing style. It’s a dark tale with many uninspiring characters, like Elaina’s sister busted with selling drugs. A supposed commentary on the moral ambiguity of the law, it has graphic content requiring a warning to readers of explicit violence and sexual scenes. Overall, a most disappointing crime novel that fails to live up to its publicity and is a do not bother two star read rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without any inducement. With thanks to Anaphora Literary Press and the author for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes.