Mrs. Pollifax is sent to Africa on a safari to take photographs of all of its participants, one of whom is a professional killer with the nom de guerre of "Aristotle."

Although Mrs. Pollifax is determined to give up spying for good, she can't help but agree to carry a small object to an agent in Thailand, and get one in return. The moment she lands, however, Mrs. Pollifax is horrified to find her contact dead and her husband kidnapped. The next thing she knows, she's tramping through the ominous Thai countryside, led by a curious fellow who may be trying to help her find her husband. Or he may have other, more sinister...

In New Haven, Emily Pollifax discovers a girl hiding in a cupboard. The girl is Kadi Hopkirk, an artist who is being followed by some mysterious types ever since she met a young man who is heir to an African throne. The two take off for New York but are pursued.

An old CIA friend, Farrell, must collect an inflammatory manuscript smuggled out of Iraq into Jordan. Farrell has a simple request for Emily, provide cover during his trip to Jordan by posing as his fun loving elderly cousin. Before the plane even lands, danger begins stalking the sprightly Mrs. Pollifax.