San Miguel de Allende is a picturesque town in central Mexico's highlands that attracts artists, retirees, and those in need of some rest and relaxation. So when publisher Vaughan Buckley and his wife, Olga, invite Jessica to join them for a little R & R, she jumps at the opportunity to spend time basking in the sun and enjoying Mexican culture with her friends.

But there are those who don't share Jessica's appreciation for the arts. Ruthless kidnappers abduct Vaughan and demand a considerable ransom for his safe return--or else Olga will be made a widow. Jessica can't imagine why local...