The murder of a prominent citizen in a small town in rural Florida creates a conflict between the erratic local sheriff and a Cuban-American agent with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). A dispute between three purported young lawbreakers and the sheriff intensifies his cranky and obsessive behavior. His life becomes even more complicated when he faces an election against a much younger and more qualified opponent. A malevolent “jailhouse lawyer” hatches a deadly plan to create a network of crime outside of the prison. A private detective, known as the “King of Stings,” joins the FDLE agent to assist in solving the problems stemming from the first murder. After a second murder, that of a prominent local judge, more homicides begin to occur. An unidentified serial killer is active in the area. The private detective and the FDLE agent employ a series of creative stings to bring the criminals to justice. They also assist other characters, as problems occur in their lives. Gradually intertwined in the novel is a romance that develops between two of the prominent characters.

Thomas Calhoun graduated from Florida State University with a degree in criminology and The University of Florida Law School. He lived in Northwest Florida for a number of years, giving him a unique perspective of the area. His experience included law practice, and handling criminal cases as assistant attorney general.