In this swamp of murder and deceit, no one is safe! When the twentieth century was new, China Rose Fish Camp was a popular vacation spot for folks looking for a place to slow down. But these days the only regular visitors are the mosquitoes and gators–especially the fifteen-foot bull gator the locals call Big Ben. When the owner of China Rose Harry Pitts is found beaten to death, Florida PI Addie Gorsky takes on the case. Though the cops believe the bloody scene suggests a random act of violence, Addie believes the crime is connected to the disappearance of Harry's daughter eleven years ago at China Rose. Addie knows that all murders begin in the past, but even she is surprised at how deep the roots of Harry's violent murder go–all the way back to the days of old Florida, to the time of wily pirates and proud conquistadors, and the trove of treasure that legend claims is still buried in this backwater. Addie dives headfirst into the wild heart of China Rose, surrounded by grinning gators, killer bees and gaping cottonmouths. But these predators pale in comparison to the cunning two-legged killer Addie is hunting…and who soon begins hunting her.