The ninth Repairman Jack novel brims with murder, international terrorism, sibling rivalry, and a truly infernal device.

A mutual tragedy throws Jack together with his brother Tom, a judge from Philadelphia. They've never been close, and it doesn't take Jack long realize that's a good thing. Tom and he are antipodes. Jack, the career criminal, cleaves to a higher ethical standard than his brother the judge.

Tom convinces Jack to go on an "adventure" to get to know each other better. He has a map locating a wreck off the coast of Bermuda and they go in search of it. Instead of treasure they find a strange object, partly organic, part manmade, known as the Lilitongue of Gefreda. Ancient lore claims that it is a means "to elude all enemies and leave them helpless."

Why does Tom want such a thing?

But there's another, bigger question: If the Lilitongue lives up to the legend, where does it take you? No one seems to know.

Matters take a bizarre and dangerous turn when someone accidentally activates the Lilitongue.