In this latest instalment of the Bluebelles/Bill Barrett series we find Colonel Barrett still happily ensconced in the Middle East Emirate of Aljibia and given the task of putting together an all-girl drill display team to be called The Desert Orchids.

As usual, there are plenty of problems to be overcome and Bill’s interpersonal and leadership skills are soon put to the test.

Employing his usual mixture of fairness, firmness and cunning, Bill sets about the task of overseeing the selection and training of the team.

High drama ensues when The Desert Orchids’ qualifying display for the Edinburgh Festival is disrupted by an assassination attempt on the Emir.