There Are Smiles That Make Us Blue — Barry T. Hawkins

NYPD Detective Frank Terranova has enough on his hands dealing with a bad neighborhood, a relationship on the rocks, and a recently controlled drinking problem. But he wasn't expecting the volcano of problems that exploded out of a homicide case on his turf. The shock waves reverberate from Manhattan's Ninth Precinct to the slums of Argentina. Every time Frank thinks he has an answer, another surprise is waiting for him. The victim's beautiful widow exerts a seductive pull at Terranova's heart, while he tries to keep from being made either a fool or a corpse by a cast of players that includes drug traffickers, terrorists, and fanatical fascist groups. The danger reaches critical levels as his loved ones are taken hostage. Vital information to save them is hidden behind cloaks of secrecy in hospital corridors and corporate office buildings, while a mysterious drug converts people into grinning, murderous automatons. Frank faces challenges to his detective skills and the core of who he is. But while he conducts his self-examination, he will have a loaded gun in his hand, and plenty of extra ammunition.