Ben Sanders, author of American Blood, strikes again in a mile-a-minute white-knuckle ride through the heart of darkness in sunny California.

Vincent needs a change. He's spent the last 15 years in covert operations for the US government, but after a botched and fatal mission, he decides he's done with pulling triggers for shadowy officialdom. He wants a rest from the violence. Vincent accepts a job in Santa Barbara, California, as head of security for supermarket mogul Eugene Lamar. It's perfect: his main duty is driving the boss to and from golf, which means ample down-time for surfing or sitting by the pool contemplating life - and how to live it with a zero body-count. He's intrigued too by Lamar's daughter - the journalist Karen Jones - on tour in California to promote a book about the benefits of war. Vincent's seen his share of conflict and is sure he can change her mind - and he'd really like to make his case over drinks. There's only one problem: if Lamar's business is confined to supermarkets, why does he need a panic room full of assault rifles and a .357 revolver in his car?

It turns out Lamar owes a debt to bad people - but that's the very least of the trouble. He's ensnared in a criminal enterprise which soon brings costs in lives as well as money.

Karen wants answers and needs Vincent's help to get them. But how much does she already know? Is his deep attraction to her a liability? And can Vincent keep her safe from the brutal characters who are after her father?

It seems that Santa Barbara is a sunny town full of dark talent, and Vincent worries he'll have to revert to dark talents of his own if he's going to stay alive....