A chance encounter in an airport lounge spirals into a high-stakes international conspiracy when Sir Stafford Nye is drugged and his passport stolen. The protagonist, a diplomat, finds himself entangled in a web of clandestine operations after a mysterious woman pleads for his assistance. He must navigate a landscape of shifting identities and hidden agendas while evading those intent on silencing him. The narrative unfolds through a blend of suspenseful dialogue and rapid-fire plot developments that challenge the protagonist's traditional understanding of global politics.

This novel represents a departure from the traditional village-based mysteries typically associated with the author. The work is often noted for its focus on geopolitical anxiety and the chaotic atmosphere of the late 1960s. Readers frequently observe that the plot relies heavily on coincidence and a sprawling cast of characters that can feel disconnected from the central mystery. The narrative style reflects a shift toward the spy thriller genre, prioritizing momentum and broad stakes over the intimate puzzle-solving of earlier works. It remains a curious entry in the author's bibliography that highlights her attempt to engage with contemporary global tensions.