Scotland Yard's director and a school headmaster team up to find a missing biological warfare expert in this classic, Cold War-era mystery thriller.

At the height of the Cold War, one of Britain's top-secret scientists is missing. Prof. Howard Juniper was last seen leaving his lab where he conducted research on biological warfare. What's even more troubling is he may have a virulent, deadly sample with him. He must be found as quickly--and with as little publicity--as possible.

Under direct order from the prime minister, Sir John Appleby, the head of Scotland Yard, is taking up the search. First, he must buy some time. Appleby persuades Howard's twin, Miles, a boarding school headmaster, to impersonate his brother. Next, Appleby must follow up on his three frightening leads: either Howard has been kidnapped, he has defected to the Soviets, or he has gone mad . . .

With the stealth of a spy, Appleby now must race against the clock to find the missing scientist before all hope is lost.

Praise for Michael Innes and Inspector Appleby

"The author's ingenuity and wit are seemingly endless." --The Daily Telegraph

"Altogether a brilliant piece of work." --Birmingham Post

"Innes is in a class by himself when it comes to detective fiction." --The Times Literary Supplement