The Scent of Ginger is a crime thriller that takes place in present day Honolulu. James Spencer is a brilliant and well-known neurosurgeon living with a terminal illness. He has devoted his career to helping soldiers with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and PTSD, but as his disease progressed, he was forced to drop his practice. However, he continued to experiment in the field of advanced neuro-technology, developing powerful brain implants that not only treat the symptoms, but also have the potential to give him a new perspective on the world. When his best friend from high school, Lou Costelilia, returns from Afghanistan with TBI and severe PTSD, James jumps at the chance to utilize his experimental brain implants and reconstruct his friend. The implants cure Lou, and at the same time allow Spencer to communicate directly with Costelilia and fully experience the world-through his friend's brain. The men are able to connect with the secret implants, allowing Doctor Spencer to see, hear, smell, touch and taste the world like never before. Together they decide to use their unique partnership to promote justice and make the islands safer. As freelance consultants, they take on cold cases for the Honolulu Police Department. Spencer has been working on the notorious Mongoose case privately for years-evidence indicates that the infamous burglar that only victimizes the wealthiest and most powerful families in Hawaii, is someone he knows. He keeps his thoughts about the Mongoose to himself until Lou is abducted during a routine stakeout and they receive a series of threatening messages. It's time to let Costelilia in on his suspicions.