Roderick Copper (67), retired Major, and Benny Gold (70), London cabbie, apply on the same morning for residential places with the Rudyard Trust for Retired Officers and Gentlemen. But its eccentric and drunken Director tells them the Trust is technically bankrupt, its multi-million-pound assets about to be divided between the Founder’s descendants – a curious, motley crew.

Banker Mark Treasure is called in when Copper and Gold’s bizarre scheme to preserve the charity goes wrong with terrifying consequences – kidnap, stabbing and sudden death – involving one of the bank’s clients, ex-President Cruba of Ngonga, exiled in London with his sensuous third wife, his 15-year-old son, and Gerard Opac, his handsome, ambitious aide.

‘Banker sleuth Mark Treasure heads an irresistibly comic cast.’ Guardian

‘Sparkling fun.’ Financial Times

‘Nobody is going to argue about Mr. Williams’s writing ability. He has charm, he has an authentic light touch, he understands people, and his outlook on life is sophisticated.’ New York Times