The original short story was much better. I'm a big Lehane fan, and frankly I'm disappointed that he did a novelization to capitalize on Gandolfini's death. That's how I see it anyway. It worked much better as a short story. All he did was add some fluff.
As far as the film, they should have left it in Boston. Because Lehane IS Boston. Check out his Kenzie-Gennaro PI series and you'll see what I mean.
The short story was all that was needed. Me and you spoke about this last winter I believe. That short story gave me the chills.