This is the story of the terrifying, tragic, surreal, and ultimately inspiring events surrounding the 2013 Boston Marathon: the preparations of the bombers; the race; the emergency response to the explosions; the massive deployment of city, state, and federal law enforcement personnel; and the nation's and the world's response before, during, and after the apprehension of the suspects. Through the eyes of seven principal characters including the bombers, the wounded, a cop, and a doctor, Boston Globe reporters Helman and Russell trace the paths that brought them together.