New York: Putnam, (1987) dj. Hardcover first edition - The author's very highly praised first suspense novel, set in the Mission district of San Francisco, and introducing San Francisco homicide detective David Cruz, a flawed but very human character. "Cruz is caught between two waring factions from El Salvador, when the body of Gloria Soto is found shot, execution style. Sifting through Gloria's fmaily, friends, and enemies, he soon realizes that the illegal refugees have brought their hatreds and feuds with them, and if he is not careful a full-scale confrontation will erupt." 288 pp. ISBN: 0-399133003.