It's the sweltering summer of 1930, and Londoners are enjoying the heatwave. The Doctor, Romana and K-9 plan to take a rest after their recent adventures, but the TARDIS warns them of time pollution in the locality.

What connects the isolated Sussex resort of Nutchurch with the secret society run by the eccentric Percy Closed? Why has millionaire Hepworth Stackhouse dismissed his staff and hired assassin Julia Orlostro?Aand what is the truth behind the infernal vapour known only as Zodaal?

The Doctor's tribulations as he attempts to answer these questions will excite and enthral discerning readers throughtout the land.

The adventure takes place immediately after the Missing Adventure THE ROMANCE OF CRIME.

GARETH ROBERTS is the author of three books in the New Adventures series and the Missing Adventure THE ROMANCE OF CRIME, all of which have been highly acclaimed, as well as the novelization of CRACKER: TO BE A SOMEBODY. He lives in Cricklewood.