The Starfire Breeze steams its way north toward the Gulf of Alaska, buffeted by crisp sea winds blowing down from the Arctic. Those on board are seeking peace, relaxation, adventure, escape. But there is no escape in this place of unspoiled natural majesty. Because terror strolls the decks even in the brilliant light of day . . . and death is a conspicuous, unwelcome passenger. Former Seattle policeman J.P. Beaumont—a damaged homicide detective

Decades ago, J. A. Jance published some poems in a thin chapbook, not yet ready to tell the world directly about the terrible struggles in her life. At last, she's telling the whole story, in a narrative that explains what was happening in her life as she created each poem. She explores her past with burning words set in the dust of the Arizona desert, revealing in the process how her trying experiences helped her shape Detective J. P. Beamont,