Eight years ago, Tate Holloway was a respected San Diego homicide detective handling a high-profile serial-killer case with his partner and close friend Jack. When Jack was killed in a confrontation with the serial killer, known as The Eye, Tate had no qualms about killing the deranged killer. However, when further investigation by Tate led him to believe The Eye may have had an accomplice, none of his superiors would consider it. Instead, they labeled him mentally unbalanced for his incessant connection to a case they considered closed - and kicked him off the force.

Never getting over the excitement of investigative work, Tate opened a PI business four years ago and hired Rita Jones, a woman with more clandestine connections than Tate could have ever perceived. She is also a modern-day madam -- and Tate is her star gigolo. Hey, it pays the bills when PI business is slow.

When the college-age daughter of a rich and powerful man is murdered with the same MO as The Eye, police are sure it is a copy-cat. As evidence builds, Tate finds he has become the main suspect. Knowing he is being set up still does not make it any easier to prove his innocence, especially since no one will believe him when he insists The Eye is not dead. But Tate is not alone in his quest to find the real killer; the ever-resourceful Rita is doing everything she can to help. With everyone against him and the press crucifying him as a murderer, male prostitute and now a fugitive, Tate and Rita have their work cut out for them.

VENGEANCE IS NOW is a quick read considering it is nearly impossible to put down once started. Characterization is distinctive, plot development fast and furious, and pay close attention so as not to miss any of the wily plot twists. VENGEANCE IS NOW is a stellar debut for Scott D. Roberts, and the first entry in his Tate Holloway series. The teaser included for the next book in the series has me eagerly anticipating its release.