Set in a fictional African state in the grip of a civil war provoked by the emergence of The Mahdi, a pretender to  the leadership of the Islamic world, The Message is the latest thriller from Tariq Goddard, an exciting and topical treatment of realpolitik, personal integrity and the real cost of Empire-building.  Into the melting pot are thrown Iranian 'advisors', an SAS contingent, and in the best farcical tradition; a family of unscrupulous English mercenaries, kidnappers of an innocent girl with their own sinister agenda.  In the face of violence and unexpected betrayals we see these factions draw inexorably together to a chilling and ultimately redemptive climax. With guarded sentimentality and cheerful nihilism, redolent of Conrad with just the slightest nod to Chuck Norris, The Message is as enjoyable as it is thoughtful, a literary take on current affairs from a rare and unusual talent.