A routine investigation into a missing clerk spirals into a high-stakes pursuit across the Sahara Desert when a security consultant uncovers a decades-old aviation mystery. Max Stafford, a professional security consultant, initially views the disappearance of Paul Billson as a simple case, but the situation shifts when he encounters violent opposition. Driven by a need to clear his father's reputation regarding a historical air race crash, Billson flees to Africa, forcing Stafford to track him through treacherous terrain. The narrative unfolds as a fast-paced hunt where both men must navigate hostile environments and shadowy adversaries intent on keeping the truth buried.

This novel reflects the classic mid-century thriller style characterized by Desmond Bagley's focus on technical accuracy and relentless pacing. The narrative structure suggests a grounded approach to the adventure genre, prioritizing the logistical challenges of desert survival over abstract character study. Readers likely find the transition from a corporate mystery to a remote, high-stakes search to be a hallmark of the author's ability to escalate tension. The book serves as a representative example of the era's fascination with investigative thrillers that blend historical intrigue with modern-day danger.