Book excerpt: A mad cap treasure hunt is on. But will whoever finds the fortune live to enjoy it? There's a sickness raging through Hampton Beach, an epidemic more contagious and deadly than any pandemic virus. Gold fever. And Dan Marlowe-along with his friends-has been bitten by the bug. Joining the hunt for treasure are a half mad ex-Prohibition agent, an infamous Irish Boston gang leader, and other assorted thugs. Of course, the always bumbling small-time hustlers-Eddie Hoar and Derwood Doller-have to get in on the action... Along with anyone within driving distance who can beg, borrow, or steal a shovel or metal detector. When a treasure hunter is found beaten to death, Dan has to-once again-prove his innocence while battling his own dark demons. Only this time the demons might win.