It is 1914 and while battles rage across Europe, three empires - the Ottoman, the German and the British - fight for dominance in the Middle East. Kingdom Lock works for the British Intelligence Service known as the White Tab and has a mission in Persia. He must stop a German spy from inciting jihad and rebellion among the population and from seizing control of the precious oilfields. But to complete his task, the Australian-born Lock has not only to battle resentment and enemies on his own side, but to keep one step ahead of the war raging around him.