Brilliant, renowned chemist Dr. Frederick Rhineman's fascination
with genetics is surpassed only by his obsession with intricate
puzzles and revenge. His most recent work with pathogens and ethnic
heredity has resulted in the discovery of a formula that can pinpoint
people of a specific nationality--and eliminate them.
When Rhineman unexpectedly dies of a massive heart attack, his
secretary fulfills his last directive. She mails sixteen letters: four
to foreign dignitaries of the world's most volatile countries and
twelve to the people Rhineman most hated. Each letter contains clues
and a puzzle piece leading to a secret cache of ten million dollars
and the lethal chemical formula. One of the letter recipients is an
ex-marine turned private detective, Jack Wayde.
As the inevitable killing spree ensues, Wayde's unwittingly drawn
into the deadly competition. The circle of suspects is quickly
shrinking: Wayde must prevent the formula from falling into the wrong
hands and find out who the other puzzle piece holders are before they
find--and kill--him.
