Pure action, thrills and spills mixed with snatches of delicious dark humour - in a novel to rival the best of Lee Child, this is G M Ford at the height of his powers.
Meza Azul Correctional Facility, Arizona is designed to hold the worst collection of criminals in the USA and is prided by its founders for being 100% escape proof.
So it is with mixed horror and disbelief that Governor James Blaine discovers lifer and ex-Navy submarine captain Timothy Driver has somehow managed to take control of the security and surveillance systems and begin releasing fellow prisoners.
First out is Cutter Kehoe, and together these highly dangerous men are soon armed and holding 163 prison staff hostage. Then Driver makes his one command - he and Kehoe will shoot one prison guard every six hours until the author of his biography, Frank Corso, is delivered to him in person . . .
As the FBI search for Corso, Melanie Harris presents live TV show American Manhunt from outside the prison walls and people are glued to their screens. The show's ratings have been in decline, but Melanie knows this will put it back in the top slot… and she'll go to any lengths to get her coverage.
By the time Frank Corso enters Meza Azul, the riot has escalated out of control, and Driver and Kehoe give him no choice but to join them in their spectacular escape . . .