Commander George Gideon of Scotland Yard attended the CID Ball. He was aware of undercurrents in the room. Meanwhile, there was a murder, for which a bicycle with a loose-fitting mudguard held a clue. Also, a collapsed building had trapped many, and a man serving a sentence for a crime he hadn’t committed receives an unauthorised visitor.

Commander George Gideon of Scotland Yard attended the CID Ball. He was aware of undercurrents in the room. Meanwhile, there was a murder, for which a bicycle with a loose-fitting mudguard held a clue. Also, a collapsed building had trapped many, and a man serving a sentence for a crime he hadn’t committed receives an unauthorised visitor.

The fog was thick, sulphurous and impenetrable and just like old times before clean air legislation. Beneath it the villains went about their work quietly and largely undisturbed. Commander George Gideon was aware of this and meant to disturb their peace, but he found himself involved in a web that was more impenetrable than the fog itself.

Borgman is a big man who has money and influential friends. Gideon knows he killed his wife, but can he prove it? How is he to break through the power wielded by this serious adversary and deal with all of the other problems that crop up? And will the press and the court spare him?

Dr. Palfrey is faced with one of the most difficult problems and a more powerful adversary than he has previously met. A mysterious disease strikes down some of the world’s most powerful figures; then their daughters also become victims. Palfrey and Z5 have to prevent domination of the planet by an irresponsible power and fearful new weapons.

Towards the end of World War II elements of the German High Command flee to Japan. Dr. Palfrey leaves for the East disguised as a German officer. He seeks ‘The Colony of the Fourth Reich’ believed to be situated in China. His disguise uncovered, he must find a way out with vital information that will affect the whole outcome of the war.

A man was overheard stating that ‘The Toff’ was amongst those he would like to murder. ‘The Toff’ wonders if it was Charmion, who was released from prison two weeks before. However, there were many others who might seek revenge. It is a case of too many killers who might ‘spoil the murder’, but if The Toff is the next victim ...?