To escape a contract placed on his life by old adversary Joe Revel, Bulman and Lucy have spent eighteen months in China. On their return to England, Revel makes several attempts on Bulman's life before he's forced to acknowledge that his target is no dummy. But can the same be said of Lucy?

Bulman is hired by newspaper proprietor Lord Jonathan Fairfax to investigate the death of ace crime reporter Desmond Geraldine, killed as he greeted racing correspondent Archie Ferris. The motive remains elusive — until Lucy discovers that Geraldine's girlfriend is also Fairfax's mistress, and Bulman finds a clue that Geraldine was onto a scam involving Ferris.

Bulman is honoured to receive an invitation by Commander Andrew Morrison, Head of C-13, to visit Scotland Yard. Lucy is less enthusiastic particularly when they are handed a 'delicate' mission that brings them face to face with the Irish Republican Army — and leads Bulman to pursue his own private war.

Bulman goes undercover to investigate the disappearance of the butler and housekeeper from the country estate of Lord Kilmartin. While he takes on the identity of the butler, Lucy discovers that there's no death registration for the couple; Bulman takes to the skies to get to the bottom of the mystery.

What does Russian intelligence officer Vladimir Ragozhkin want with Bulman? And why does Dugdale seek Bulman's help on a 'security matter'? When Dugdale is found murdered, Bulman and Lucy's investigation unearths dirty work in British security — and Bulman is reluctantly drawn into a case in which the security of the country is at stake.

Bulman's unexpected encounter with his ex-wife and her son prompts a reassessment of his life, while a stolen dog leads to the discovery of a murder plot. Add a visit by VAT man Mr Pollock, and Bulman and Lucy are in for an unwelcome surprise.

Top civil servant Julian Czinner needs help; the contents of his missing briefcase could prove useful to enemies of the state. Asked to step into the line of fire once again, Bulman and Lucy find themselves becoming pawns in a game where the stakes are high — and for Bulman, life will never be the same again.