Inspector Beadle believes in Africa. He believes it is a place where an ambitious man can make his name and he hopes that he will become a legend in the colonial police force. Unfortunately for Beadle, he must overcome a number of obstacles to realise his plans, not least the language barrier, his own incompetence, the mistrustful local population and the monstrous Superintendent, who takes great pleasure in undermining his young charge in humourous situations.

After nearly eight years in the army - mostly in Hong Kong - Peter Allen worked in various legal capacities in Africa for thirty-four years. He was knighted in 1987.