'You look like you can handle yourself just fine. Bet you were in the Army.'
'I did my bit. About three years without ever seeing America once. Why?'
'A strong and brave man, then, who knows how to survive difficult circumstances. Which means you're just the hombre for me.' He took out a wad of cash as big as any fist Archer had ever made in prison or seen coming his way.


In 1949, Aloysius Archer arrives in the dusty Southern town of Poca City. He has nothing but a handful of dollars, the clothes he's wearing and an appointment with his new parole officer. After his wartime experiences in Italy and a prison sentence for a crime he didn't commit, Archer is looking for a fresh start and a peaceful life.
On his first night of freedom, Archer meets local business tycoon Hank Pittleman, who promises Archer handsome compensation to work as his debt collector. Yet Archer takes on more than he bargains for, as he becomes embroiled in a long-running feud between the drought-stricken town's most dangerous residents. When one of them dies, the authorities label Archer as their number one suspect.


A bloody game is being played above and below the law. Everybody taking part has a deeply buried secret - and Archer must uncover them all if he's to avoid going back behind bars.




'A mile-a-minute read that proves once again why David Baldacci has readers the world over flocking for more' Jane Harper, New York Times bestselling author of The Dry