Set in Malaya and Singapore, with several Serani-as the Eurasians were known in the pre-World War II days-taking major roles, this is a tale of love, Chinese secret societies and espionage. Rex Shelley has stirred up the mixture as before, with the conflicts of choosing between two lovers, of love and loyalty to one's country, principles, religion, admiration and hate of the colonial British, racial prejudices with the little details of living on the rubber estate, the Eurasian lifestyles, the cheap hotels in the small town of the Malay States, and the sordid business of brothels. He brings inches.