The Body from Ipanema — J.R. Ripley

MUSIC TO DIE TO

Itinerant rhythm guitarist Tony Kozol and his bass-playing sidekick, Rock Bottom, land a touring gig with Latin pop sensation Luis Angel. Even better, the first stop on the tour is Rio de Janeiro's CarnavaI, where the hot wild nights of Ipanema and the sweet songs of love have lured Tony's tender heart -- and a wad engagement-ring money--to the lovely luscious Silvia.

But beneath the vibrant rhythms of samba and seduction, Tony is fast learning there's a dangerous side to Rio--courtesy of two muggings, a near fatal blow to the head, steely warnings to get out of town and a visit to the city's violent underworld--where boys wield machetes and law and order are dirty words. When murder strikes, Tony and Rock dare to nail a killer whose wealth and power are no match for American ingenuity and an Austin guitarist's shattered heart.