After being incarcerated in a remote Chinese labor camp for nearly 20 years, convicted spy Li Huasheng (aka Peanut) makes a harrowing escape and long journey to Beijing. Having sold military secrets to the British in the past, Peanut decides to resume his spying by forcing one of his former accomplices, who did not get caught, into providing the military secrets he needs to barter to get out of China.

When Peanut approaches Philip Mangan, believing he works for the British government, his plan takes an unexpected turn. Mangan, who's actually a freelance British journalist, is effectively recruited by his country's network of spies to act as the go-between with Peanut to complete the deal. However, Peanut is a tough one to work with as he deals with the confusing changes he encounters and seeing China rebuilt into a global power over the past 20 years. The situation turns tense as Peanut and Mangan flee for their lives with both sides in hot pursuit of the software key that provides access to China's national security secrets.

NIGHT HERON by debut author Adam Brookes tells a compelling espionage thriller adroitly textured with a rich sense of place and vivid characterizations. The gripping action moves along at breakneck speed in an intense plotline.