A retired Secret Service agent finds himself drawn into a dangerous web of extortion and murder while vacationing in Miami. Joe LaBrava, a man accustomed to the rigid protocols of federal protection, encounters a former film star, Jean Shaw, who is being targeted by a ruthless extortionist. As LaBrava navigates the humid, neon-lit streets of South Beach, he must balance his growing attraction to Shaw with the necessity of outmaneuvering a sociopathic adversary. The narrative unfolds through a sharp, third-person perspective that emphasizes the gritty reality of the Florida underworld and the moral ambiguity of its inhabitants.

Readers frequently highlight the author's ability to craft authentic, rhythmic dialogue that defines the personalities of his characters without relying on excessive exposition. Discussion often centers on the atmospheric portrayal of Miami, which serves as a central character in the unfolding criminal plot. Critics note the precision of the pacing, which allows the tension to build steadily through character interactions rather than relying on conventional action beats. Many appreciate the grounded nature of the conflict, noting that the stakes feel personal and immediate rather than grand or abstract. The work is widely regarded as a quintessential example of the author's signature style, blending sharp observation with a cynical, yet compelling, view of human nature.