Dr Michael Lowell - a mild-mannered American, unshakeably decent and at the peak of his profession - is intrigued by Stephen Walsh's invitation to a reunion of Oxford college friends. At least he'll be able to catch up with cynical advertising genius Toby Jenks and frontline medic Hlne Hevr, comparing notes on mid-life frustrations and old ideals. He'll also have to face Seema Mir, the serene young woman from Karachi who rejected him twenty years ago because he was 'just a little bit too dull'.

He expects a congenial weekend; instead they seed a conspiracy that could rock the foundations of the US government.

Moving between Oxford, New York, Washington, Geneva and Abidjan, this compelling political thriller is the story of five people possessed by an extraordinary idea. Theirs is an 'unthinkable' plan to save the lives of millions. But the risk is to their own lives is incalculable.