Originally published in England in 1968, this early Deighton novel is set not in his familiar espionage milieu but in the world of international con artists.

As caper novels go, it is entertaining, even cute at times, but still delivers what Deighton fans expect from the author of such bestsellers as The Ipcress File, SS-GB and Berlin Game. Told in alternating chapters by the three members of the con team Silas, Liz and Bob the book recounts the trio's exploits, first in New York as they bilk a pair of businessmen and later in their London home base where they launch an ill-fated scheme to sell phony arms to a small African nation.

The repartee among the three is as much a part of plot as are the details of the "stings." Bob's ambition to become the ringleader, as well as to separate Liz from Silas, leads to a final operation in Beirut.