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Earl Swagger is a lawman just returned from World War II to Hot Springs, Arkansas, where his latest battle is with the Mafia and the corrupt men who run the casinos.

"Earl Swagger is tough as hell. But even tough guys have their secrets. Plagued by the memory of his abusive father, apprehensive about his own impending parenthood, Earl is a decorated ex-Marine of absolute integrity--and overwhelming melancholy. Now he's about to face his biggest,... Read Full Overview

In the summer of 1946, the most wide-open town in America is Hot Springs, Arkansas, a city of ancient, legendary corruption. While the pilgrims take the cure in the mineral-rich 142-degree water that bubbles from the earth, the brothels and casinos are the true source of the... Read Full Overview

The undisputed master of the tough thriller, New York Times bestselling author Stephen Hunter delivers an "exciting and intelligent" (The Wall Street Journal) masterpiece set in 1940s Arkansas, where law and corruption ricochet like slugs from a .45 automatic.... Read Full Overview

The undisputed master of the tough thriller, New York Times bestselling author Stephen Hunter delivers a masterpiece of crime fiction set in 1940s Arkansas, where law and corruption ricochet like slugs from a .45 automatic. Earl Swagger is tough as hell. But even tough guys have... Read Full Overview