Christopher Farmer is a ten year old boy, who discovers very early in life, that his father works for British Intelligence. This is in addition to his father's day job. He is suddenly taken from his home in Dresden, Germany; and via France, he ends up staying with his Aunt and Uncle in Blackpool, UK. Whilst staying at his relatives hotel, his cousin Peter gets himself abducted and is only found due to Christopher's actions. The story is told through the eyes of Christopher, and goes back to the days before online technology.