Thomas Lang, former professional infantryman, and nowadays witty, decent and courageous loser, gets mixed up with a racket of the arms trade. He gets involved with idealists, the British and US secret service, and revolutionaries, and finds love. This is a high-speed very funny and gripping, twisted crime/spy-story. I virtually read the book in one sitting and liked it very much.
If you like science fiction from Douglas Adams or fantasy fromTerry Pratchett you will like this book as well. It is the first novel of Hugh Laurie, so there is some painting with a broad stroke, but I would love to read more from him.
I recommend this book for fun and entertainment.