In James Grippando’s newest action-packed mystery, Born to Run (HarperCollins; $26), Miami attorney Jack Swyteck returns to action. The vice president of the United States ends up dead after alligator hunting in the Everglades so the president positions Jack’s dad, who served two terms as Florida’s governor, to replace him. Jack becomes his dad’s lawyer. But the prestigious job soon turns deadly when Jack gets involved in an international conspiracy that spans 50 years. Before hostages are to be freed an old secret must be revealed, and it could threaten the president’s life.

After 12 years as a trial lawyer at a Miami law firm, Grippando is now a best-selling author who has published 16 novels. He still lives here.