A Garden of Vipers

A GARDEN OF VIPERS initially centers on the investigation by Ryder and Nautilus of the brutal murder of a radio newswoman who, interestingly enough, has some ties to Dani Danbury, Ryder's significant other. Some additional incidents, including another horrendous murder, indicate the presence of a homicidal maniac in Mobile. Both Ryder and Nautilus are distracted by the revelations of personal betrayals --- Nautilus from the past, Ryder from the present --- that have a common source in Buck Kincannon, eldest son of a rich and powerful local family whose influence extends beyond the local environs.