Dying Gasp is a political thriller, an expose on the wickedness of the people that profit from the sexual exploitation of children and a story about the dedication of, and the difficulties faced by those who fight to stop this crime.

Staying within the reality of today's norms, Chief Inspector Silva is required to handle a missing person's case that involves the granddaughter of a powerful politician. Even in an emerging democracy, it is difficult for the privileged to let go of their special status and Leighton shows this in some wonderfully crafted chapters.

While interested in hunting down those that are profiting off sexual exploitation of children, the chief inspector continues to investigate the missing grandchild. The secrets he discovers about wealthy family are intriguing and supportive of the story line.

The trail of both cases cross too often not to be connected and Chief Inspector Silva and his team of agents find themselves in the Northern Amazon region where the steam of the jungle and the heat of the hunt for justice for those abused, and without political clout, connects. It is an Amazon city known for its sex-tourism trade.

Leighton introduces the reader to colorful characters who cover spectrum of Brazilian life. From the wealthy politician, the pimps and pornographers, corrupt police, killers, a priest battling to educate children, slum residents and the exploited children, Leighton weaves a tail so real that it is like reading a well-written police investigation report.

The criminals of this thriller are so well depicted that they are creepy not only when dealing with the children, but in their daily routines and interactions with each other.

Leighton handles a sensitive subject masterfully, presenting all the characters, no matter their purpose, as real and three-dimensional.

Dying Gasp is a page-turning thriller about a horrendous crime in today's world, but Leighton also presents a story of hope for his adopted country, its justice system and its delicate democracy. Chief Inspector Mario Silva is an honest man who works a job that can twist and turn the honor of a lesser man. Silva leads by example and his team of agents follows him religiously.

 Dying Gasp is scheduled for release in January 2010 and is published by SOHO Crime.

Michael Haskins is the writer of the Mick Murphy Key West Mystery series. CHASIN' THE WIND the first in the series, was published in March 2008 and the second book, FREE RANGE INSTITUTION, will be available in February 2011. He has finished the third book in the series, CAR WASH BLUES. He lives with his wife, family, and sailboat in Key West, Florida.