Disgraced journalist Xander McAuslan and his Vietnam veteran and erstwhile cave-dwelling survivalist mate Lorenzo are in grave danger – a situation exacerbated by the fact that they have no idea their recent past is about to catch up with them. A few months ago, in the sleepy Tasmanian village of Mole Creek, Xander and Lorenzo accidentally thwarted a murderous attempt to cover up the existence of a Russian ‘sleeper’ agent who was ready to be activated to devastating effect. And now, in retribution, a ruthless assassin has been sent to kill them as slowly and painfully as possible. But before the killer can strike, Lorenzo is lured to Vung Tau in Vietnam where another veteran thinks his life is in danger because he is investigating a war crime from 60 years ago. Meanwhile Xander is offered bribes and threatened with violence as he researches a true crime book about the disappearance of a phenomenally successful artist. The art world, he discovers, has a layer of greed, corruption, jealousy and vicious rivalry that would put organised crime to shame. Add into the mix an ambitious and sexy true crime podcaster and the savvy and sassy teenage daughter of the Vietnam veteran, and the story swings from Mole Creek to Sydney, Saigon and back to Tasmania as it hurtles toward its deadly conclusion. Xander and Lorenzo must draw on all their street smarts and survival skills to get to the truth of both investigations, all the time unaware that no one, young or old, is safe as the assassin homes in on her unsuspecting quarry.
