Moscow Blues begins in Washington, D.C., in the fragile postwar period where the Red Scare is growing noisier in certain circles every day. Polylingual Charlotte is a British expatriate who has recently settled in the nation's capital with her second husband who looks like Clark Gable, but her enviable dinner parties and soirees aren't the only things she is making plans for. Meanwhile, Scotland Yard's Inspector Troy must say goodbye to his friend and colleague Charlie Leigh-Hunt, who has been posted to Washington as a replacement for Guy Burgess, last seen disappearing around the corner and into the ether by Troy. While the purpose of his posting in the States is initially vague, Charlie is soon shocked to cross paths once again with Charlotte, who has a packed pocketbook full of secrets she is eager to share with him.Featuring a dynamic female protagonist and crackling dialogue, Moscow Blues is a gripping thriller featuring new characters as well as old standbys, including Lawton's beloved Joe Wilderness.