A famous movie company, glamorous actors, a distinguished director, and a celebrated screenwriter descend on Puerto Vallarta to shoot a romantic film. Amanda Pennyworth, the American Consul to that Mexican city, is asked to act as liaison with local officials and help out however she can. It's an exciting opportunity-what could go wrong?

Almost immediately, an expat who volunteered as an extra on the film is brutally murdered. Then his wife is bludgeoned to death. The police are intimidated and baffled by the Hollywood crew, and Amanda is called upon to help find the killer.

But her own life is complicated: her assignment in this beautiful resort city is ending, and her next posting may be in a dangerous Middle Eastern zone. Everything is suddenly in turmoil. Amanda must catch the killer before he strikes again-and decide what path her career and future will take. All of her ingenuity and daring may not be enough.