The Night-Comers

Book excerpt: The Gold Dagger Award–winning author delivers a “sophisticated, circumspect drama of revolution and political terrorism” in a former island colony (Kirkus Reviews, starred review). Engineer Steve Fraser has enjoyed his time on the island of Sunda in Southeast Asia. Having finished his job in the former Dutch colony, he’s looking forward to one last weekend in the capital before heading home. But Sunda, like so many newly independent nations, is not entirely stable. It’s a place where unforeseen incidents can radically change the lives of locals and visitors alike. Fraser thought he’d enjoy a little R&R with a Eurasian beauty named Rosalie. Instead, they’re both taken hostage by a fanatical opposition group determined to overthrow the provisional government. As the government launches a counterattack, the couple’s survival depends on their ability to dodge bullets and the shifting loyalties of the coup’s lieutenants. The Night-Comers was originally published under the title State of Siege.