Excellency

by David Beaty

Caught in the crossfire of a successful military coup in an emerging African state, Bill Rutherford finds a political stowaway on board his charter aircraft. The stowaway is discovered and Rutherford thrown into jail to await a hideous death for 'treachery' to the new regime. General Gawaka, the new dictator, graciously receives the British High Commissioner when he comes to plead for Rutherford's life. Infinitely cunning, he tricks him into recognising the new regime. When oil and gold and discovered, the High Commissioner is delighted to see bright new vistas opening up for British trade.

But the reality is starker and infinitely more terrifying. Two American journalists are killed. Rutherford witnesses hideous scenes of genocide. And when a Starjet, gift of the British government, explodes in mid-air killing all on board, the terror that stalks the night walks boldly through the day. Rutherford is caught up in the ultimate blackmail threat and the tension mounts towards a shattering final climax.

'Top rate . . . a novel of no little flair, style and authority . . . a smashing story, richly drawn and well-sustained' Newsagent and Bookshop

'The British thriller at its best' Daily Telegraph

258 pages, Paperback

First published June 6, 2013

About the author

David Beaty is a British author of fictional and non-fictional works. He got a Master degree in history (1940) at Merton College, Oxford, and a Master degree in psychology (1965) at University College, London. He was trained pilot in the Royal Air Force during the 2nd World War. His works focus on aviation, especially on psychological aspects of aircraft pilots.

Beaty was born in 1919 in Ceylon, married in 1948 to Betty Smith, a writer herself (see Betty Beaty), and is father of three daughters. He died in 1999.

Sources:
- Europa Publications (Editor), International Who's Who of Authors and Writers 2004, Psychology Press, 2003
- Ken Beere, Obituary: David Beaty , Independent, 22.12.1999

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was just plain weird; I had trouble understanding it, though my knowledge of world affairs isn't all that strong. Add a scene with illicit sex, and this was a dud.

[Jennifer Morefield · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a very interesting tale of a military coup in Africa. It was about the atrocities that take place during and following the coup to the power than has been overthrown. It also shows how uncertain people are when power changes in such a violent and surprising way. British diplomats try to remain neutral and survive the uncertainty. It made me see how diplomatic positions can be tenuous, even dangerous. A good story that probably happens in many countries around the world.