The African Princess Teresa was beautiful, intelligent, and in much demand. Too much demand, actually. Someone has kidnapped her and the entire region of Mobundu is in an uproar. Getting her free won't be enough, however. Durell must transport her over deadly jungles past mercenaries paid to stop them.
This was a real person, William B. Aarons, 1914-2002, the brother of Edward S. Aarons. But according to WBA’s son, and confirmed by their agent, WBA did not write any of the six books; they were all penned by Lawrence Hall. (Source: Al Hubin and Jeff Falco)