The omniscient narration opens on François Loubet, the world’s most successful money smuggler. No one knows his true identity. He disguises himself in part by asking ChatGPT to rewrite his emails “in the style of a friendly English gentleman” (1).

Fitness Instagrammer Andrew Fairbanks finally became famous through the mysterious circumstances of his murder. Fairbanks was shot in the head after taking a selfie to promote Krusher Energy Drink. His body was found half-eaten by sharks, dangling from a rope on a yacht. A leather holdall containing $900,000 was found on board.

Bestselling author Rosie D’Antonio and her bodyguard Amy Wheeler are staying on Rosie’s private island off South Carolina’s coast. Kevin, a former Navy SEAL, is also on the island. Amy works for the close-protection agency Maximum Impact Solutions. Rosie needs protection from Vasiliy Karpin, a Russian oligarch who has issued death threats against her since her latest novel depicted him in an unflattering light. Rosie is bored, but Amy insists they stay on the island for her safety.