The Cuban Gambit is part of a wide encompassing series which feature characters who go through multiple changes and motives. In some ways, it's reminiscent of a Shakespearean Tragedy crossed over with a glitzy 80's nighttime soap opera. There are plenty of wealthy characters showing off their glamor and privilege in social gatherings and board meetings to remind others who and what really makes the world run. They travel the world to communicate with world leaders, corrupt business people, prostitutes, and organized criminals to score points against an enemy and grasp onto what they have by their fingernails. It's a life that makes those on the outside want to be in. But the glamorous and power facades are mere masks for the troubled more nuanced souls underneath. It's a cast of characters that scheme and conspire against each other. Even some of the seemingly good characters like Delilah and Harry get caught up in mass murder and duplicitous dealings. No one is particularly innocent because all are certainly guilty, a revelation recognized by one of the characters when they berate the others and themselves for letting avarice and corporate greed take over. There are some great chapters that serve as a counterbalance to the scheming and backbiting that prevails throughout the novel. Even Temple has some great bonding moments with friends and family and respects Delilah, treating her like a surrogate daughter. There are flashbacks that beautifully explain the bond that shares between Brad and his younger brothers, Victor and Alex. Brad cared for them in absence of their father who abandoned them and their mother who buried herself in bitterness and regret. It's understandable why they would have such loyalty to Brad who gave up much of his youth for them. It doesn't excuse many of his modern actions, but it shows how deep their fraternal bond was at one time. There is also a deep bond of friendship between Delilah and Harry's sister and Alex's wife, Sabrina Sheppard Kingsley. Sabrina gleefully shows off her hacker talents which she later puts to good use in protecting her friend, her husband, and in-laws. She also is available when Delilah goes through a serious medical emergency, becoming an honorary sister to her. Of course the love between Harry and Delilah is unbreakable. It began during the kidnapping and was born from mutual trauma. They provide a sounding board and sources of encouragement towards each other. When a mutual attack puts both in danger, their thoughts are to make sure that the other is alive and well. Their relationship is a hard knot to break and shows the difference between one's obligation to family and business and one's obligation to themselves. The Cuban Gambit is a worthy successor to Manhattan Swindle by journeying between the public figures and the individual people and relationships beneath those figures.