Self-exiled and working as a bricklayer, former FBI agent Steve Vail never fit the confining mold the agency expected of an agent. But his unorthodox ways have earned him a reputation as the guy to go to when special cases come along the FBI can't handle on their own -- even though they hate to admit it.

A group calling themselves the Rubaco Pentad will continue to kill human targets until the FBI comes up with millions in cash. The agency officers are working to meet the demands, but something always goes wrong during the money drop. At the end of their patience, terrified of how many more people will die and fearing there's a corrupt agent in their ranks, they have no choice but to contact Steve Vail.

With so many inconsistencies in the case, logic is not working, so Vail has to go with his instincts to uncover the truth. It's fortuitous this highly principled man also has the uncanny ability to work his way through the twisting maze of clues and evidence others aren't even aware exist.

The intricate and detailed plot continually picks up speed toward a thrilling (and surprising) resolution. Steve Vail's irreverent outlook on life lends itself to witty repartee between him and the other characters, which is further supported with very clever, intriguing narrative. Noah Boyd has a sure-fire winner in this exemplary start to a new series.