This is the 5^th book in the E. L. Pender series.  Pender is an enigma.  He is a hard-drinking, fat FBI Special Agent.  It wouldn't be a surprise if he gargles with gin when he wakes most mornings.   His job is flying across the country while acting as a investigation liaison between the FBI and community law enforcement officers. 

 

In this story, Pender is searching for a young man that was dealt a poor hand since birth.  A life spent in and out of foster homes helped shaped Luke Sweet's nasty outlook on life.  He is on the run and leaving a trail of bodies of those who have done him wrong in the past.  

 

Pender teams-up with a gimpy private investigator who has the distinct honor of once capturing Luke while wanted for suspected murder.  Together the two diverse personalities try to close the gap between themselves and Luke while not becoming victim to his warped revenge adventure. 

 

Nasaw has the ability to create characters that are flawed and permeate with realism.