Nicholas Linnear, a man caught between two cultures, finds himself hunted by a lethal assassin from a secret society that weaponizes the darkest aspects of the samurai code. As he navigates the high-stakes world of international business and personal vendettas, Linnear must confront the ghosts of his past in postwar Japan while evading a killer who operates with supernatural precision. The narrative moves between the shadows of Tokyo and the elite circles of New York, utilizing a third-person perspective to track the collision of ancient tradition and modern corruption. Linnear’s objective is survival, but he is forced to master the very arts he fears to dismantle the organization threatening his life.

This novel is frequently cited as a definitive work in the 1980s thriller boom, known for its dense research into Japanese culture and martial arts. Readers often highlight the author's ability to blend historical context with the fast-paced requirements of the espionage genre. The work is recognized for its atmospheric intensity and the complex, often conflicted nature of its protagonist. While some critics note the expansive length of the narrative, it remains a staple for those interested in the intersection of traditional combat lore and modern suspense.