After nearly thirty years in southern Africa, Richard Hannay has achieved recognition as an officer in military intelligence, a mining engineer, and a successful prospector. Now he returns to Britain seeking a bride, a home and a quiet life. But Europe is a cauldron of political intrigue and, amongst the old Empires, a new power is rapidly making its way—a power that resents Britain's mastery of the waves: Imperial Germany. Represented in London by the cunning and ruthless Count Von Schwabing, Germany is intent on causing trouble however and wherever she can—and Hannay attracts trouble as a magnet attracts iron filings!

A chance encounter with Lady Madrigal Fitzjames on a train leads Hannay into a strange weekend of mistaken identity and danger.

The governments of Great Britain and Imperial Germany race to arm themselves with modern battleships, but von Schwabing has a plan to ensure that his country is victorious.

A quiet break in the country turns into a weekend of murder when Hannay and old friend Reggie Armitage discover they're targets for a demented killer.

Hannay returns to Scotland to visit the village where he was born, but his arrival quickly brings him into dangerous conflict with the local inhabitants.

When Hannay saves the life of a desperate young woman, he little realises how quickly this act of bravery will bring him face-to-face with von Schwabing.