This is the last of Buchan’s ‘Richard Hannay’ novels. It’s cast of Characters, in addition to Hannay himself, includes from earlier novels, Sandy Clanroyden and the villain D’Invraville. Buchan also introduces a merchant banker 'Lombard' and Hannay’s son Peter John. The action takes place in England, Scotland and the ‘Norland’ Islands, (presumably the Faroes) where a neurotic Norland millionaire who has a claim on Hannay’s protection and owns an island is under attack.