Adam Carmichael, an author, is living on the Costa del Sol with his dog Ben, when he meets and falls for an attractive young Moroccan beauty, Iolanthe, a trapeze artist who works at a circus. She is on vacation in the south of Spain with her family.
One night Adam spots a gang of men assisting illegal immigrants come ashore on the beach near his home. He recognises some of them as the male members of Iolanthe's family. Next day they disappear leaving Iolanthe alone to fend for herself. She moves in with Adam, while the police are searching for the men.
His property is burgled and Iolanthe disappears. With the help of his neighbour, Colin Wright and other friends he eventually tracks her to an isolated farmhouse where she is being held as a prisoner. Adam arranges her risky escape. They flee to a safe haven. She embarks on a new career singing in night clubs. Adam suffers an assassination attempt, fortunately it isn't fatal.
He then sets out on the maze of a trail to discover his assailant, which includes many mishaps and other near disasters. Most of the action takes place in southern Spain and West Wales and involves a whole host of colourful characters, some good and some obnoxious. It all leads to a climax at a court case where Adam's future is determined.
How does all this change Adam's life? Will Iolanthe make a success of her new singing career? Will they remain lovers? If you read the whole story you'll find out.