This is the first book in what will be a series (additional books not yet written) featuring Clearwater, Florida homicide detective Karen Skaryd (Scare -id) and her husband, plumber and hybrid rose horticulturist, Brock. The first installment is an intriguing adventure set in the Dominican Republic, where Karen and Brock are celebrating their 25^th anniversary and Brock is nominated for an award at the annual “Rosarian” society gala. As you might imagine for a suspense/thriller novel, the vacation does not go smoothly.

When one of the Rosarians is poisoned at dinner, Karen’s detective instincts kick in and after trying flutily to render first aid, she offers to aid the local cops in securing evidence from the crime scene. The local homicide detective, Montenegro, wants no help (interference) from an out-of-jurisdiction resort guest cop. But the local cops botch the scene and Karen finds some evidence – a handwritten note referencing a verse from Exodus – one of the Ten Commandments. What the . . . As things progress, there is another murder and another Exodus verse at the scene. Meanwhile, Karen gets text messages warning her to keep her nose out of things that don’t concern her. Will Karen and Brock quickly pack up and leave the conference? Not on your life.

The plot thickens considerably with the introduction of several key characters who turn out to be connected to a much larger international conspiracy. It even connects tangentially with one of Karen’s recent Clearwater cases. She enlists her partner Terrance (“T”), who jumps in to support his partner. Meanwhile, there is tension between Brock (who wants to finish his conference obligations and get the hell out of the DR) and Karen (who can’t let these mysterious murders lie without more digging. When Karen discovers the identity of the man who has been sending her the warning texts, she has to decide whether the man is trying to help her, or get her killed.

This is a deeply plotted and multi-layered story that is definitely not fully over when the last page is turned. There is more to come from some of the players in this web of international intrigue and I for one will be very interested in reading the next installment.

Mr. Vega’s descriptions and settings are exquisite and the writing is rich: “The air was thick with sweat, cheap disinfectant, and stale coffee.” The pacing is terrific as Karen and Brock careen toward a confrontation with the shadowy characters who are pulling the strings of this mystery. I have a few minor quibbles with some plot elements and there are a few small leaps of logic in the story, but it is engrossing and compelling. You will be turning pages faster than the head waiter, Jose, can refill Brock’s rum punch glass. Get ready for a thrilling ride.

This review is based on an Advance Reader Copy of the book, provided by the author. The ARC contained some copy editing issues that I hope will be corrected by the time of final publication, since they tend to detract from the enjoyment of the story. I have voluntarily provided this honest review.