Tweed, reverting to his one-time role as detective, faces the most frightening challenge of his career, aided by Jules Beaurain, ex-police Commissair in Brussels. Is al-qa'eda about to attack London? A strategic onslaught which will make September 11 seem like a tactical attack?
Rumours abound. What is the truth? With Paula Gray and Bob Newman, Tweed discovers the weird village of Carpford, hidden away in the north downs. Strange inhabitants in strange houses.
The team encounter Victor Warner, arrogant Minister of Security; Peregrine Palfry, Warner's servile aide; enigmatic and fascinating Eva Brand - who may be on either side; the peculiar Hogarth brothers, Billy and Martin; Drew Franklin, powerful gossip writer; fanatical preacher, Margesson. Any could be involved in the plot to devastate London. Key informants are slaughtered ruthlessly, one by one.
Convinced that, as with September 11, the master planner is an Englishman or an American, Tweed sends Paula and iron-willed Beaurain to Milan, previous major al-qa'eda base. Will they come back alive? With vital information? Within hours of arriving in Italy, attempts are made to murder them.
Who is the traitor in Britain, manipulating his opponents mercilessly? Time has run out. This Tweed does know. But what is the target? When will the attack be launched? Where?
Inhabitants of Carpford - who might know something - disappear overnight. Al-Qa'eda's meticulous preparations continue on schedule. Still their base cannot be located.
Panic grips Whitehall. Tweed is road-blocked by bureaucrats every way he turns.
Near Zero-Day, chance and luck play a major part in helping Tweed and Beaurain to detect what is coming. Paula provides clues. She is kidnapped, almost murdered.
The monster criminals' plan is to cause frightful casualties - far greater than September 11. Unless Tweed's team track the mass killers thousands of Londoners will be annihilated. Tweed brings in the SAS. The climax is shattering.
Will it happen here? As it did in America?
