Prime Minister Peter Fraser is back in New Zealand in 1945 before he continues to lead the small counties pushing to remove colonialism and great power veto from the fledgling United Nations. A plot is under way to kill him. If successful, New Zealand's influence on the international stage ends and the country could descend into chaos, a divided country ripe for international manipulation.
Detective Dan Delaney has returned from the war seeking a peaceful life with his refugee bride, but his old boss Inspector Biggart needs his help tracking down shadowy would-be assassins in Wellington's black market underworld, a defensive Italian fishing village and an upmarket yachting haven. Prodded by the Commissioner of Police, Dan reluctantly involves his wife in a dodgy cabaret scene, as former alien internees are killed and British and Soviet spies Dan has previously clashed with arrive to assist a suspected American undercover operation. Dan and his wife risk their lives as they race to identify the threat before a prime minister refusing security is struck down.
'It's a rollicking read. It's got all the great elements of a spy novel, including a nice little twist at the end.' Grant Robertson, NZ Finance Minister.
'This is a "hard to put down" book . The reader REALLY wants to know what happens next.' Professor Roger Boshier
'The plot unfolds with twists, turns and lots of action ... What I really loved about this book is the way it presents New Zealand plonk in the middle of international political history.' Alyson Baker, Crime Watch