Dr. Erin Baker, ex-CIA operative, is content teaching at a local Miami college and taking care of her sister and niece. Then she gets two unexpected visitors: Alec Donovan, an FBI agent she became involved with professionally and personally during her last assignment, and Bill Jensen, who has a new mission for her -- he wants her in Cuba. An operative, Erin's mentor, is missing after reporting suspicious activity at an international aid camp. That's something any trained agent could handle, but Erin discovers she has a ready-made cover. Her father, who abandoned the family years ago, is the head doctor at the camp.

From the time Erin arrives, posing as a volunteer teacher, she sees things are not as they should be at the camp and tries to focus on her mission while becoming acquainted with the stranger who's her father. Meanwhile, Alec, forced to watch from a distance, insinuates himself in the investigation on the U.S. side, determined to support Erin in any way he can. But as Erin gets closer to the truth, she finds that Cuba has many secrets that some people will go to great lengths -- even murder -- to protect.

This is an entertaining thriller with a likable heroine who may remind readers of Sydney Bristow in Alias. She must not only deal with a dangerous mission, basically on her own, but face some serious personal issues at the same time. The setting of Cuba provides an exotic, mysterious backdrop for the action. I would have liked to see Alec have more time with Erin -- this is definitely more "suspense" than "romantic suspense," but the story held my interest from a strong opening to a satisfying finish. (This is the second book featuring Erin and Alec. The first one, OUT OF REACH, isn't necessary to read before this one, but would give some good background on Erin's previous experience with the CIA and her introduction to Alec.)