Arthur Abdel Simpson, a perennial grifter and small-time criminal, finds his latest scheme derailed when he is thrust into the volatile political landscape of a newly independent African nation. Desperate to secure his own survival, Simpson navigates a treacherous web of mercenaries, corrupt officials, and international intrigue. He must constantly adapt his moral flexibility to match the shifting loyalties of those around him, often finding that his attempts to profit from chaos only lead to further misfortune. The narrative utilizes a cynical, observational tone to document the protagonist's frantic efforts to maintain his precarious lifestyle amidst global instability.

This work is widely regarded as a quintessential example of Ambler's ability to subvert the conventions of the espionage genre by centering a deeply flawed and unheroic protagonist. Readers and critics often highlight the sharp, cynical humor that permeates the narrative, noting how it effectively satirizes the geopolitical tensions of the era. The character of Arthur Abdel Simpson is frequently cited as one of the most memorable anti-heroes in twentieth-century thriller fiction due to his persistent, if often misguided, resourcefulness. The novel maintains a reputation for its clever plotting and its refusal to rely on the standard tropes of international intrigue.