When a friend and colleague of Jake Prescott dies mysteriously during a morning run in Stanley Park, Vancouver Police involve Jake in the case. Jake discovers that his archenemy, Kurt Landau is behind not only his friend's death, but the death of many others. Before long, Jake is once again involved in an international chase to find out who is killing off the scientists who bear the bad news about global warming. While in Europe at his friend's funeral, Jake meets Sabrina, a beautiful woman who has a few surprises up her sleeve.

He soon discovers that Landau has teamed up with a deadly organization that specializes in exotic, toxic potions made from natural sources. The names Tetrodotoxin, Abrin, Digitalis, Ricin, and Batrachotoxin all become part of his vocabulary. Many of the deaths appear to be from natural causes—heart attacks, strokes, seizures—and are extremely difficult to trace. When Jake and his crew start recognizing the clues, they work with French, Austrian, and Swiss authorities, as well as Interpol and the F.B.I., to build a case against the people involved.

Jake's interest in Sabrina grows as some of her past reveals itself, igniting a love he didn't think was possible. As usual, human nature prevails, throwing everyone off the trail, and opening the situation up to a final solution of violence and mayhem.