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.