The Portuguese Fragment

By Owen Sela

An international intrigue from Tangier to Ceylon and beyond…

Former mercenary and Department spy, Nick Maasten, has a new assignment: retrieve a valuable vase from Stavros Dirkian, a notorious art dealer and smuggler based in Morocco.

But when Maasten, accompanied by ex-lawyer and art forger, Elmer Robey, break into Dirkian’s home to get the vase, their plan goes awry.

And Dirkian ends up dead.

Now wanted for murder, Maasten is determined to find Dirkian’s killer – a search that will eventually lead both he and Robey to Ceylon.

While in Ceylon, Maasten and Robey become involved in a search for oriental bronzes which, if found, could make them a fortune. And when an ancient manuscript falls into their hands, their discovery will take them on a hunt for an ancient temple under the sea…

The Portuguese Fragment is a thrilling tale of smuggling, priceless antiques and double-dealing that will keep you hooked until the very end.

Owen Sela was born in Ceylon and was a partner in a firm of London Chartered Accountants. His insight into the highly complex world of international finance makes this, his first novel, a compellingly authentic thriller. He lives in London and collects cars as a hobby. He is the author of more than a dozen books.