Moreton is the representative in Rome for a London insurance broker who deals at Lloyds of London.

From the author of All the Money in the World, now a major motion picture directed by Ridley Scott, comes an exciting, intricate and funny novel about a ransom gone wrong.

Moreton's troubles begin with the appearance of Dr. Avicenna. "Some instinct of self-preservation should have warned me against Dr. Avicenna from the start…how many times since have I cursed myself for getting so easily, so light-heartedly involved with him?"

Avicenna's proposal is for a gigantic insurance policy on a dissolute Italian prince, to include a clause insuring the prince against a kidnap ransom.

The subsequent events are marvelously exciting, intricate and funny.