James Chadwick did not check in with Cruxys when he should have, so a Code Red is issued. Cruxys Solutions in London assigns Ruth Gonzalez to the case to visit James' wife in her Chelsea home. Ruth then flies to the United States to team up with Andy Vaslik to investigate the disappearance of Chadwick, since he works for a company here in New York. Ruth and Andy try to piece together the last few days of Chadwick's life, visiting his apartment as well as the company he works for. But the puzzle pieces just done seems to fit together.

Meanwhile, James Chadwick wakes up in a small room shackled to a bed, with someone watching over him. Neither man knows exactly why they are here, except one is being paid to watch the other and make sure he stays alive. A man who calls himself Paul has plans for Chadwick. Those plans include maneuvering some stolen drones in a jihadist strike against the President and a United States Air Force base. Can Ruth and Andy find Chadwick before he is forced to execute Paul's plan?

Ruth Gonzalez and Andy Vaslik are an odd set of personalities to put together, but the combination somehow works. THE BID is the second book in Adrian Magson's new Cruxys Solutions series. Both Gonzalez and Vaslik are strong characters with solid and methodical investigative skills. Magson's supporting characters are a mixed lot. James Chadwick is an refined intellectual, but finds the fortitude he needs to challenge his captors and keep them irritated. There are a variety of other characters, good and bad, that move the plot along to a dynamic conclusion. The story is action-packed, filled with suspense at every turn, moving from London to New York, New Jersey and on to the Midwest. The terrorists are very systematic in their endeavor, but they've met their match in Gonzalez and Vaslik. This is a story of vengeance, military intelligence and entrepreneurship. We can always expect an exciting thriller from Adrian Magson, and THE BID is no exception.