In the second novel featuring Ben Webster, The firm that he works for is asked to investigate a rich Iranian investment manager, Darius Qazai. The catch is that the request comes from Qazai himself as he seeks to sell his investment company. As Webster’s enquiries progress, he suspects that Qazai is being less than honest with him and that there are secrets that he does not wish to be revealed. Their own families are extremely important to both the main characters and Jones contrasts the reactions of both as they and their families are threatened by the secrets that Webster uncovers. It is a worthy follow up to ‘An agent of deceit’, once again revealing Webster’s uncertainties and weaknesses.

I suppose there are people who focus solely on plot and would like this book about cross continent intrigue in the world of arms dealing and finance. But, it seems to me I have seen similar plots in books and movies for years. The only thing that makes this book somewhat different is that it takes place primarily in the Middle East. Here is my principle problem with it. I like a book in which the characters engage me in a positive admire/ interested in or negative way detest/repulsed. by but frankly, by the end of the book I didn't if anyone in this book lived or died. I wouldn't even want to even invite the "heroes" over for dinner. They were all just bland to me. So, I guess there is a market for this book based on reviews on other sites - but it isn't me. ( )