The book is set a few years after the United Kingdom has left the European Union. The Irish border issue has not been satisfactorily resolved and problems remain within Europe, revolving around the expanding refugee crisis and continuing economic difficulties in countries most affected by this. The potential to provoke civic unrest into these difficulties, proves irresistible to extremist groups. Saudi Arabia continues its modernisation programme, but this is resisted by hardliners, determined to revert to traditional ways. The contract renewal of a long standing armaments deal, provides the opportunity for these hardliners to gain access to the latest high tech weaponry. The Middle East, having several unresolved conflicts, provides the opportunity for terrorist action to inflame these dangerous situations. Two British secret service agents, John Holden and Lucy Robertson, are involved in trying to foil the terrorists' plans, with mixed results, affecting political stability.