Simon Dale has just been sacked from his exciting if short-lived job at the UNBUA, the United Nations Bureau of Uncommon Affairs. He has returned to his father's house in rural Oxfordshire, where he has spent the last four weeks sulking. He has also been learning more about the fascinating world of uncommons. From a book. That's probably the main reason he's in such a depressed mood?he would have preferred to study these things at his handsome ex-boss's side.

One day, he has had enough, though, and decides to go for a stroll through the nearby forest. What is supposed to be an innocent, leisurely perambulation takes a surprising turn. First, he stumbles upon a bunch of mischievous, invisible children. Then he discovers a certain hunky vampire has been awaiting him in the neighbouring village.

Said vampire turns out to be?his former boss Rodelio de Montferrat. The man Simon ardently wished to see again. Unsurprisingly, he has barely enough time to enjoy that happy reunion before he's dragged away from home and safety.

A new adventure begins, which takes them to South America this time. The two men have to face countless new dangers?shootings, unpleasant encounters, perilous rivers and mountains, stubborn plants, flame-spitting red kittens, houseless roofs... They also realise the mysteries they're trying to unravel are getting deeper and deeper.

So do the feelings that bind them together. If only Simon could stop asking himself too many pointless questions, that is...