A body holding a spade in the sand amidst tales of a missing gem. An old boy's network whose members are rapidly becoming extinct. Can Macleod solve the gamester's clues before the club players are liquidated and the prize is gone forever?

In the sixth major case of Macleod and McGrath's partnership, a deadly game is being played in the search for a long-stolen jewel of fantastic wealth. Whilst former friends dispatch their new enemies, DI Macleod hunts the pieces of parchment that will lead him to the resting place of a Sultan's pride and joy, and the killers who cannot live without it. Will the pirate king emerge triumphant, or can the Inspector run their plans asunder?

When precious things seem out of reach, death may be the only compromise.