This novel differs from its recent predecessors. It is a sensational, compelling crime thriller in which Forbes' intrepid trio of sleuths - Tweed, Paula Grey and Bob Newman - travel to the heart of Europe to confront their deadliest enemy yet. Racing against time, they strive desperately to avert disaster - and confront the West's deadliest opponent.
Tweed has to revert to his one-time role of Homicide Superintendent at the Yard. His investigation into a number of horrific murders sweeps him from Bray in Britain to Maine in the US, then back to Europe to Montreux, Zurich, Lugano in Switzerland, accompanied by his usual team - he is still Deputy Director of the SIS. His roles combine. He realises enormous power is behind the systematic massacre. Russell Straub, Vice President, expected to be the next US president, continues to dog the footsteps of the strange Arbogast family. Why?
There is weird Roman Arbogast, creator of a world conglomerate; his daughter Sophie, volatile scientist; Marienetta, his brilliant, captivating niece. Tweed's investigation is hampered by the pressure of the British and American governments. What terrible secret are they trying to conceal?
Tweed encounters unbalanced playboy Black Jack Diamond; the Roumanian Elena Brucan, sensitive to evil; criminologist Abraham Seale; Sam Snyder, unscrupulous journalist. Some become victims of the dreaded Vorpal Blade. But it is shrewd, stubborn Paula Grey, risking her life, who eventually tracks down the wielder of the blade. By herself, underground in a remote mountainous zone.
Forbes has produced his most gripping novel - horrific, with bizarre characters.
