When the Presidents of the United States and Mexico plan to meet in Los Angeles to sign a critical trade and immigration treaty that will change relations between the two countries forever, terrorists crawl out of the woodwork to avenge the killing of al Qaeda terrorist leader Osama bin Laden.

"While Stuart Woods has proven time and time again that he's a master of suspense who keeps his readers frantically turning the pages, he has even managed to top himself with SEVERE CLEAR."

The signing of the treaty is to take place at the grand opening of a new Bel-Air resort hotel, The Arrington, named after attorney Stone Barrington's late wife, Arrington Carter Barrington. Set on 20 acres, The Arrington promises to be the premiere place to stay on the West Coast. With 200 suites, 50 rooms and three restaurants, it offers top-notch accommodations to those with the money to afford them. Add to that an indoor theater, outdoor amphitheater, golf course, tennis courts, gymnasium, spa, salon and boutiques, and The Arrington provides everything the rich and famous could want.

The grand opening is set to coincide with the signing of the international treaty and provides the perfect opportunity for a trio of terrorists and their leader to take the lives of thousands in a bombing that will make previous attacks pale in comparison. Fortunately, national intelligence experts pick up on communications that alert them to the fact that something is in the works. They just don't know what it is. With the pressure on and lives at stake, everyone involved must step up to the plate and dig deep to solve the mystery before the terrorists can strike.

Stone Barrington, the wily attorney and ladies man, comes together with characters from Stuart Woods' other series of books, including Holly Barker of the CIA and President Will Lee. Familiar faces from numerous other Woods novels make an appearance in a way that will please readers as they encounter one old friend after another.

As The Arrington begins to fill with numerous celebrities, government officials and wealthy patrons, all eager to attend the music concert that will kick off the opening of the landmark hotel, Stone and company learn more details indicating that the terrorists are among them and progressing nicely with their plans. Will the good guys be able to thwart the villains before a serious loss of life and property occur? Or will the evil powers that be finally succeed with their nefarious plans?

While Stuart Woods has proven time and time again that he's a master of suspense who keeps his readers frantically turning the pages, he has even managed to top himself with SEVERE CLEAR. With a plot that Americans particularly can relate to, he sends a chill down our spines when he gives us an inside look into the minds of those who are simply waiting for a chance to strike out at America again.