A trusted agent's report on Kosovo ignites a global chain of violence that threatens to engulf the world's superpowers. Dispatched to assess the volatile situation in Kosovo, Blake Johnson encounters Harry Miller, a British operative with a similar mission, and together they prevent a Russian officer from committing an act of arson. This single act of intervention, however, triggers a cascade of deadly repercussions, drawing in agents from the US, Britain, and Russia, and setting off a cycle of revenge that spans continents from Kosovo to Ireland and Moscow. The narrative unfolds through a lens of international intrigue and high-stakes action, with the physical constraints of war-torn regions and the political pressures of global governments shaping the characters' desperate gambits.

Reviewers highlight Jack Higgins's mastery of the thriller genre, noting his consistent ability to deliver high-octane plots and compelling characters. Publishers Weekly praises his skill in crafting suspenseful narratives, stating that 'almost every shot hits square between the eyes.' The book is characterized by its fast pacing and the hard-boiled nature of its protagonists and antagonists, as noted by critics who find the action to be direct and impactful. The Associated Press affirms Higgins's standing as a preeminent thriller writer, suggesting that 'When it comes to thriller writers, one name stands well above the crowd Jack Higgins.' The novel is recognized for its intricate plotting and its exploration of dark passions and dangerous deeds within the halls of power.