A gripping and beautifully observed novel of power, corruption and innocence from the author of Terms & Conditions

Charlie, a curious boy with a dangerous Dictaphone habit, eavesdrops on the eccentric guests of the Mirage Hotel, as the African nation of Bwalo prepares for the annual appearance of its Glorious Leader Tafumo.

Sean, who's given his heart (and the best part of his liver) to Bwalo, struggles to write the great African novel – if only his crazed fiancée would stop distracting him.

Josef, kingmaker and mythmaker, starts to hear the ominous rattle of skeletons in his closet.

Hope, the nurse caring for the King, keeps the old man alive as she mourns her own broken dreams.

And storm clouds gather as petty criminal, Jack, smuggles something into Bwalo – to the Mirage Hotel – that will change the lives of all of them for ever…