A Syrian businessman is drawn into the deadly machinations of Palestinian terrorists in the acclaimed author's Gold Dagger-winning thriller.Syria, 1970. As a self-described "e;Levantine mongrel,"e; Michael Howell is used to navigating the shifting sands of Middle East politics. Over the years, he has successfully maintained his business enterprise through war, revolutions, and takeovers, thanks in part to his office manager-and mistress-Teresa.Staunchly apolitical and programmed for survival, Howell enjoys the sweet life. But that all changes one fateful night in Damascus, when he finds men working overtime in his factory-secretly making bombs for the fanatical Palestinian Action Force. Suddenly, Howell is caught in the middle with nowhere to run.