Sir Martin Milner is the recently appointed Ambassador to Washington, whose unenviable task will be to avert a crisis as relations between the ineffectual British Prime Minister and the aggressively anti-British American President go from bad to worse.

Before he leaves for the USA, however, an assassination attempt on his life leaves his son critically ill and his wife on the verge of a breakdown. Relentlessly scrutinized by the media determined to uncover secrets from his past, Sir Martin must somehow find the strength to take up his high-profile post, knowing that though the first attempt to kill him failed, the next might prove more successful...

'Michael Shea has produced another first-class thriller in which his experience at the heart of government is put to excellent use.'

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

'Another cracking yarn from the former Press Secretary to the Queen. Once more the author, whose knowledge of the British establishment was gained at the highest levels, has produced a political thriller right at the top of the genre.'

BIRMINGHAM POST

'This intriguing novel makes full use of Michael Shea's inside knowledge... a gripping, ingenious tale... engrossing and informative.'

GLASGOW HERALD