After nearly thirty years in southern Africa, Richard Hannay has achieved recognition as an officer in military intelligence, a mining engineer, and a successful prospector. Now he returns to Britain seeking a bride, a home and a quiet life. But Europe is a cauldron of political intrigue and, amongst the old Empires, a new power is rapidly making its way—a power that resents Britain's mastery of the waves: Imperial Germany. Represented in London by the cunning and ruthless Count Von Schwabing, Germany is intent on causing trouble however and wherever she can—and Hannay attracts trouble as a magnet attracts iron filings!

A chance encounter with Lady Madrigal Fitzjames on a train leads Hannay into a strange weekend of mistaken identity and danger.

The governments of Great Britain and Imperial Germany race to arm themselves with modern battleships, but von Schwabing has a plan to ensure that his country is victorious.

A quiet break in the country turns into a weekend of murder when Hannay and old friend Reggie Armitage discover they're targets for a demented killer.

Hannay returns to Scotland to visit the village where he was born, but his arrival quickly brings him into dangerous conflict with the local inhabitants.

When Hannay saves the life of a desperate young woman, he little realises how quickly this act of bravery will bring him face-to-face with von Schwabing.

When Hannay meets the beautiful Sybil Verney at a race meeting, he cannot foresee the web of lies and tragedy in which he will quickly become ensnared.

As tension mounts in Europe, the British government prepares antidotes to possible germ warfare, and Hannay finds himself at the centre of a demonic plot to steal them.

When Hannay is entrusted with the safekeeping of a dozen diamonds, he underestimates the danger and distress they will bring.

The pleasures of travelling on the Trans-European Express from Venice are relished by celebrities, diplomats and vacationers alike, but for Hannay, the journey proves to be a nightmare.

On the death of his friend, Pelham Swinburne, Hannay inherits a walking-stick, field glasses and the lighthouse on a Fenland marsh .... but what is he to make of them all?

When an East-End gang demand protection money for Sal Alford's music-hall, she turns to Hannay for help.

When his goddaughter is jilted on her wedding day, Hannay finds himself searching for not just a missing bridegroom but also a shipment of gold.