#1 New York Times bestselling author Ridley Pearson begins an electrifying new thriller series.

After a Chinese national working for an American-owned construction company is kidnapped in Shanghai, Rutherford Risk - a hostage rescue firm - is called in. But in China, private investigation is illegal, and operating within its borders will be difficult.

For the job, the company recruits two outsiders: Grace Chu, a refined forensic expert, to follow the money - and John Knox, a hard charger who is experienced in both combat and the street culture of Shanghai. But following the money leads to more complex and hazardous consequences than either anticipated. Who is behind the kidnapping? What are their true motives? And more important, can Knox and Grace save the hostages before the deadline?