When a heart attack brings Simon Russell's premiership to an abrupt and unexpected close, the Tory party is thrown into disarray. Not only was Russell immensely well liked, but his successor is far from obvious: Roger Courtauld, the Home Secretary, feels it should be him; Joan Freetown, Chancellor of the Exchequer, reckons the job is hers; Peter Makewell, Russell's Foreign Secretary and acting Prime Minister, doesn't mind who it is as long as it isn't him.
Stylish, informed and all too plausible, Douglas Hurd's latest novel is a story of high intrigue and low politics; a tale of how ambition may help you to the top of the political ladder, but won't help you stay there.
