Swinging between London and Geneva, Paul Temple and Steve are involved in a case that involves finding the answer to one vital question: is Carl Milbourne, thought to have perished in a car accident, still alive? There are those who are determined to stop the Temples discovering the truth. And Temple's own life is in danger.

Paul and Steve are called upon to crack a case involving Carl Milbourne, the brother-in-law of wealthy financier Maurice Lonsdale. After the news that Carl has perished in a fatal car accident, rumours begin to stir that despite all odds, Carl is alive and well.

Maurice Lonsdale asks Paul Temple to investigate the apparent death of his brother-in-law Carl Milbourne, who might still be alive. The mystery appears to have its roots in Switzerland - but what is the significance of the phrase "too young to die"?

Paul and Steve are called upon to crack a case involving Carl Milbourne, the brother-in-law of wealthy financier Maurice Lonsdale. After the news that Carl has perished in a fatal car accident, rumours begin to stir that despite all odds, Carl is alive and well. When Maurice s widowed Sister Margaret pleads for the crime-fighting duos help, Paul and Steve find themselves on a trail of deception stretching from London to Switzerland. Their lives are in grave danger as everything is done in an attempt to stall their search anonymous gunmen, exploding cars, ransom demands, and a mysterious rendezvous that may prove to be the end of Paul and Steve "

On a boat trip from the fishing village of Downburgh, Paul and Steve Temple are shot at and later the boatman dies in a cliff-top fall. Back in London, the daughter of the head of M.I.5. has disappeared and it soon transpires there is a connection.

Returning from America by ocean liner, the Temples meet wealthy Sam Portland whose UK agent Hubert Greene has received messages about Portland's past from a private detective called Madison. But Portland dies on board, and Temple is left to unravel a case involving international counterfeiters and the clue of a coin on a watch-chain.