Melnikov is a complex man whose personal struggle with the bottle is an inner drama which parallels the tense twists and turns of the spy mystery which unfolds. His options are narrowing. Can he summon the wit and will to survive?
Hugh MacLachlan, in his first full length novel, demonstrates an undoubted ability to tell a good story well. His earlier stories have been broadcast on Radio Scotland, and he has the rare distinction of being shortlisted for the Macallan/Scotland on Sunday Short Story Competition two years in succession.