Francis Durbridge

Whilst Paul and his wife Steve are staying in the fishing village of Downburgh, a pleasant boat trip turns into a nightmare when their craft gets shot at, and the boatman himself is later discovered drowned at sea. Back in London, the daughter of the head of CI5 has disappeared. Could there be a connection between this and the events in Downburgh? In finding out, Paul and Steve find they are in peril once again.

Flying home from a lecture tour of America, Paul Temple encounters Mike Langdon who is seeking to persuade his employer's spoilt daughter Julie to give up her boyfriend, pop-singer Tony Wyman. As Mike seeks Paul's help, the Temples enter into a dangerous web of lies and murder.

When well-known American Myron Harwood is found dead in a small country lane, it heralds the start of a series of celebrity killings. Each body is found with a small square of cardboard bearing the words ‘The Marquis’. After eight such killings, the Home Secretary requests the involvement of Paul Temple.

Tim Frazer's ex-business partner Harry Denston has gone missing. That's not all - he owes money and there are several people desperate to track him down. Frazer's pursuit involves cars and boats and various characters, but he manages to survive while others around him perish.