Philip Anders and Julian Wells were best of friends. One of Philip's main regrets in life is that the two have drifted apart and that Julian changed from the optimistic confident youth he knew to a more pessimistic man who spent his career writing true crime books of the worst mass murderers in the world. Julian spent his time on the road researching his books and became more or less a recluse. So Philip is saddened but not really surprised when he finds out that Julian committed suicide at his family home.

Philip is determined to discover what caused Julian's suicide. Was it the trip they took together as young men to Argentina, during the bad times and during which their female guide, Maria, disappeared as many others did? Did her disappearance affect Julian so much that it refocused his attention and life towards the evil in the world?

Accompanied by Julian's sister, Philip takes off to find out what he can. He travels to Europe, to London, to Russia and back to Argentina. Along the way, he finds out some of the mysteries surrounding Julian and discovers that the answers may also involve his own family.

Thomas H. Cook is one of my favorite mystery authors. He has been nominated for seven different Edgar Mystery Awards in five different categories and won the Edgar for his novel, The Chatham School Affair. His writing always has a feeling of remote malice and that the world is not the safe place most of us believe it to be. This book is recommended for mystery readers.