THE BACKGROUND Pearl of Tao, the world's largest pearl, has gathered many names in its 2500 years of existence. They include Pearl of Death, Pearl of Lao-tzu and Pearl of Allah. It is valued at over 60 million dollars and for over 20 years has been ordered by a federal judge to be securely held in a bank vault in Colorado Springs, Colorado. One of the owners of The Pearl hired a hit man to murder his wife in their Colorado Springs home. The murderer was convicted only after the husband died. Ultimately, the children of the murdered mother won a verdict of over 32 million dollars - The Pearl being the asset they cherished.

Lao-tzu, the founder of the Chinese religion Taoism ordered his followers to start The Pearl of Tao; thus its name. It was lost at sea for almost two centuries and when recovered, its gnarled shape resembled the turbaned head of Mohammad, the prophet and founder of Islam. Pearl of Allah or Pearl of Tao?

THE NOVEL While on Lovers Key, Florida, Frank Johnson finds one and then a second murder victim. The cops put him on the top of their suspect list concluding he is a retired prosecutor gone bad. Frank is forced to clear his name while trying to juggle romantic conflicts. Stephanie, his girlfriend comes to Lovers Key, as Frank is being charmed by the lovely Angeline.

The Pearl disappears while part of a public tour of rare Chinese antiquities. The Taoists and the Muslims are in a murderous battle over the religious artifact each believes belongs to their religion. Can a golden gator be used to the Taoists' advantage?

Frank’s investigation leads him to a luxurious mansion in Palm Beach and chaos erupts when the cops use a Peacekeeper to enter the walled compound. Will angelic intervention foil the search? The cops are confronted by an aggressive entourage they never dreamed they would encounter.

The cast of colorful characters includes: Monique, a rich, pampered wine aficionado who drinks from the chalice of culture; Dr. Doris Delaney, the Las Vegas addicted, erratic Medical examiner; Pao, a Taoist angel and Anderson Granderson, a deputy sheriff who is Frank’s sidekick from Minnesota.

THE STUNNING CONCLUSION IS A SHOCK!

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