As the title suggests, the figure of Charles Parnell Cassidy, head of one of Australia's major provinces, dominates the action of the novel. Yet Cassidy appears only briefly in the tale. Martin Gregory, his son-in-law, is a successful lawyer with substantial connections to the London banking industry.

Estranged from his father-in-law because of Cassidy's high-handed treatment of everyone with whom he comes in contact, Gregory has established himself on another continent. When he finds himself made executor of Cassidy's estate, he is forced to re-enter the world of Australian politics — a world riddled with criminal elements. The novel is built around Gregory's trans formation as he adapts himself to the ruthless ways of Cassidy's associates.

Carrying out the terms of the will, Gregory learns to deal with corrupt politicians, drug dealers who have infiltrated legitimate business interests in Australia (and throughout the world), as well as gangsters...