In the aftermath of the fire that destroyed Mayor Fermin's mansion Hub City is in chaos. All of the city's documents were destroyed and drunken Mayor Fermin mumbles about commies and Teddy Roosevelt. Without strong leadership the city services are shut down and there is rioting in the streets. Maud Frawley waits in the cold for a bus that doesn't come while her coworkers hole up in the office instead of risking the dangers of the city. Bernie Josepheson tries to force affection from is coworker. Tormented by guilt he commits suicide. Det. Isadore O'Toole does the thing when he tries to stop punks from looting the dead body. Years of crooked deals catch up to him. He is saved from a brutal beating by the timely arrival of the Question. Myra Fermin faces up to her feelings and misdeeds of the night she murdered Hatch.

This issue's recommended reading: any of the Eighty-Second Precinct novels by Ed McBain

Also out this month: Watchmen "Smiley Face Button"...