It is the second of DeMille's novels to feature the detective John Corey, now working as a contractor for the fictional FBI Anti-Terrorist Task Force in New York City.

The book also briefly mentions events from other DeMille novels like The Charm School and The Gold Coast, that aren't strictly part of the Corey-universe.

And at New York's JFK Airport, an elite American task force waits as the notorious Libyan terrorist prepares to defect to the West.

Ex-NYPD cop, now Task Force contract agent John Corey - together with his formidable and beautiful new partner, Kate Mayfield - will follow a trail of smoke and blood across the country.

[2][needs update] George Hackett, writer for The Press of Atlantic City, said that "for sheer suspense, there's nothing better than the opening of Nelson DeMille's latest thriller".