In an exotic blue-water locale where greed and criminality thrive, the mysterious disappearance of Thorn's boyhood friend Gaeton Richards, an FBI agent, entangles Thorn in a web of violence and intrigue that takes him from seamy local bars to glittering ocean villas. Then, when Gaeton's beautiful sister becomes Thorn's lover, he finds himself facing a jealous lunatic stalking her, a rogue government agent involved in a murderous scam, and an unforgettable underworld of petty crooks, amoral hired guns, and dangerous losers. "A terrific read with a gritty and tangible sense of place, a hero who's a cross between Davy Crockett and Philip Marlowe, and a lyrical, almost poetic touch in scenes both sexual and violent." Orlando Sentinel "Provocative and suspenseful . . . a worthy and brilliant successor to Under Cover of Daylight." Jackson, Mississippi, Clarion-Ledger "James Hall's writing is astringent, penetrating, and unfailingly gripping." Dean Koontz "Menacing . . . brilliantly written!" USA Today "James W. Hall's lyrical passion for the Florida keys, his spare language and unusual images haunt us long after the story has faded." New York Times Book Review "Explosive . . . suspenseful . . . action galore." Worcester Telegram & Gazette A selection of the Book-of-the-Month Club.