McGarvey's friend, computer guru Otto Renke, adds urgency to solving the murder. His computer programs detect a serious threat to U.S. security that may exceed the 9/11 debacle. McGarvey finds links to a Chinese agent, a U.S. Congressman, and a possible Iranian agent. Tentacles reach even the White House.

A former lover of the dead operative comes forward, but can McGarvey trust her claims? An Iranian dancer who shilled for the operative, Louis Undegraf, in his efforts to learn the objective of the Chinese, she'll do anything to come to the U.S.

After the FBI implicated the Chinese agent in several rapes and murders, the Chinese government recalled him. Now in Mexico, he frequents nude dance clubs and gives wild parties with underage girls as hostesses. Sex and violence abound. He also has ties to a Mexican drug lord.

McGarvey fills the role of action hero created by Ian Fleming for James Bond. While not as focused on women, he's not above taking advantage of them.

Personally, this reviewer found the answer to what the Chinese agent did somewhat anticlimactic, but it provides grist for another thriller.