This novel follows the adventures of Henry Pulling, a retired bank manager, who leads a quiet life tending to his dahlias until he reunites with his eccentric Aunt Augusta at his mother's funeral. Aunt Augusta, a woman with a colorful past and an insatiable thirst for adventure, draws Henry into a series of unexpected journeys that take them from England to Paris, Istanbul, and South America. Along the way, Henry is introduced to a world of smuggling, intrigue, and characters who challenge his previously staid existence. Through these experiences, Henry discovers a zest for life he never knew he possessed, as he learns that adventure and excitement can be found at any age.

"The News from Paraguay" is a historical novel set in the 19th century, focusing on the life of Ella Lynch, an Irish courtesan who becomes the mistress of Francisco Solano López, the future dictator of Paraguay. The narrative weaves together the personal and political, as Ella navigates her tumultuous relationship with López and his brutal regime, amid the backdrop of the catastrophic Paraguayan War. The book explores themes of power, love, and the devastating consequences of political ambition.