The Arab spring is in full swing in 2011 Egypt. The Egyptian President has been deposed and his interim replacement tentatively tries to steer the country away from fanaticism. The Muslim Brotherhood is in the ascendency and the CIA fearing another Iran hostage crisis has reduced its presence. Evacuating all non-essential operatives and relying on its allies for help if a crisis evolves.

American heiress, Jessie Simmons, mysteriously disappears, whilst touring the middle east with the university orchestra. The daughter of a major democratic party donor, it is feared she's been murdered. The alleged killer being the spoilt son of a US senator is bruised and battered, and in a filthy Cairo jail. The US President needs friends, urgently. The CIA reluctantly reaches out to Australian author and perceived, Arab sympathiser, Peter Brady.

His mission takes him to Cairo then Aswan in Egypt, his contacts being a mysterious and efficient, female MI6 agent and a tough and experienced senior operative in the Egyptian police. As they delve, their search widens to other ports and cities of the Mediterranean and Europe.

Peter, whilst battling his own demons, must resort to his army experience from a previous life. Can he succeed to match and overcome his clever, devious, and brutal opponents to resolve this intriguing puzzle.