On the Mongolian steppes

a general in the People''s Liberation Army stakes his career, and his life, on a GPS-free missile guidance system that will change the balance of power on the battlefield.

In Bath a young Chinese woman has secured the affections of a young brainiac working on that very problem.

In Leamington Spa a deep cover operative has given himself away.

And in London Jonas Merrick watches all, assessing, planning. A moment, perhaps, for him to strike a blow to China''s espionage network in the UK.

One thing he does not see, however, is in Moscow. An order given: ''bring me his head''.

Tautly plotted and frighteningly authentic Best Served Cold cements Jonas Merrick as one of the great figures of modern spy fiction.