An astonishingly compellingthriller set

in the midst of Miami s explosive drug

scene and signalingthe arrival of a first-

rate new writer.

In Miami, crime and drags are part of

the local landscape. But the cocaine busi-

ness is no place for amateurs--aM Ray

Hula is not the dmg-smuggling type.

The paunchy, middle-aged owner of an

undistinguished marine salvage com-

pany, Ray is a complacent bachelor who

has no reason to believe that life holds

any more surprises. So when the force of

circumstance begins to nip and bind, he s

not entirely ready.

Michael Cruz is a cocky, small-time

hood who needs some help pulling off

the biggest deal of his life. The perfect

man for the job? His half brother, Ray

Hnla.

Although they ve met only once, Ray

has always hated his black-sheep rela-

tion. But when Michael shows up in

Miami demanding to use Ray s salvage

company as a cover for bringing a ton of

cocaine into shore, Ray can t refuse--he

has no choice. And suddenly, Ray Hula

finds himself caught up in a scheme that

snowballs into a life-or-death adventure.

Superbly written, compulsively read-

able, The Tran,sfer is that welcome

rarity--an exhilarating thriller that is, as

well, an eminently satisfying novel.

In 1981, Gorky Park ctossed the line

from suspense fiction to become a best-

seller appealing to readers of all tastes.

Now, The Transfer shows every promise

nf doing the same.