One of the most intriguing aspects of this novel, which is a TV tie-in with the ITV series 'Public Eye' is it gives a brief account of Frank Marker's life before enquiry work. It describes how he had previously worked in accountancy and insurance, was married and had a detached house in the suburbs - a comfortable, conventional middle class existence. He was asked to investigate a fraud case, did so with great success and got the taste for enquiry work. He then decided to set up as an independent investigator. However this brought harassment. His wife became a target and ultimately decided to leave. He had to move around, found money harder to come by and eventually found himself in his current position. He had not divorced but did not know his wife's whereabouts and there was no prospect of reconciliation.