Marlyn Roberts of The Edmonton Journal wrote that the novel was one of Paul's best and also typical of her style.
Roberts wrote "What is really original about this plot, though, is that the identity of the killer is revealed near the beginning of the story.
"[1] Alice Cromie wrote in The Chicago Tribune that the novel "has a peculiarly apt title.
It also stretches the long arm of coincidence so far you could wrap it around the Empire State, but even so, holds your attention through a preposterous plot all the way to a shocking and ironic final twist.
You may find it hard to believe that anyone would research the backgrounds and current circumstances of several diverse lives in order to determine how each person could benefit from the death of someone near and undear, and then remove the stumbling block and demand payment from the surprised and so far blameless character who benefits from the killing.