"Razor-tongued detective Simon Archard is unequivocally the smartest man in the world. But when a deviously ingenious killer decides to challenge the master sleuth by murdering those that he holds most dear, Simon must look past personal emotions and revenge to stop the brilliant madman before he takes away everything important in his life. Aided by his dedicated partner, the beautiful but deadly Emma Bishop, Simon will be forced to unravel the most tightly knotted mystery of his career--or watch helplessly as his friends and loved ones are systematically murdered without mercy."--P. [4] of cover.

"Contains msterial originally published in single magazine form as Ruse #1-4"--Tp verso.