The man most hated by the LAPD -- a black lawyer who has made his name by bringing lawsuits alleging racism and brutality by police officers -- has been found murdered on the eve of a high-profile trial. The list of suspects includes half the police force. And Harry Bosch is the detective chosen to head the investigation.

The political dangers of the case are huge. If it's not investigated fairly, the public outcry could make the Rodney King riots look tame. But a full investigation will take Bosch into the ugliest corners of law enforcement.

To make matters worse, Bosch's wife, Eleanor, has disappeared. Bosch fears she has left him -- or succumbed to her gambling addiction. He's not sure which would be worse.