First published 2013
Charlie Hood flashes his diamond tooth fillings at another arms dealer along the Mexican border. The Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy works undercover for the ATF, tracking illegal weapons that flow north into California. His targets notice the glittering canine teeth first, then find themselves in federal custody. But Hood carries heavier burdens than his badge. Bradley Jones, fellow deputy and cartel employee, is about to become a father. Bradley also happens to be the son of Suzanne Jones, the outlaw Hood once loved before she died. In his home, Bradley keeps the embalmed head of Joaquin Murrieta, the legendary Mexican desperado who was Suzanne's ancestor. The head sits among stacks of cash from Bradley's criminal enterprises. Hood knows every secret Bradley hides. The question becomes what Hood will do with that knowledge. Meanwhile, the enigmatic Mike Finnegan drifts through their lives, appearing when least expected, knowing impossible things, stirring chaos wherever he goes. The three men circle toward an inevitable confrontation where survival is not guaranteed.
Genres: mystery, crime, thriller, action
Vibes: dark, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: California, Los Angeles County, Mexico
Period: 21st-century
371 pages · Hardcover · Dutton
Content warnings: violence