August 1940. On the streets of London, locals watch with growing concern
as German fighter planes plague the city's skyline. But inside the
famous Ritz Hotel, the cream of society continues to enjoy all the
glamour and comfort that money can buy during wartime - until an
anonymous man is discovered with his throat slashed open.
Detective Chief Inspector Coburg is called in to investigate, no
stranger himself to the haunts of the upper echelons of society, ably
assisted by his trusty colleague, Sergeant Lampson. Yet they soon face a
number of obstacles. With the crime committed in rooms in use by an
exiled king and his retinue, there are those who fear diplomatic
repercussions and would rather the case be forgotten. With mounting
pressure from various Intelligence agencies, rival political factions
and gang warfare brewing either side of the Thames, Coburg and Lampson
must untangle a web of deception if they are to solve the case - and
survive.