FOR Thomas Morgan, the September 11 attacks in New York provide the chance to stay ahead of both the law and his bank manager.

With a broken marriage and an overdraft, the former soldier, sometime spy and occasional thief finds a new market for his skills in Afghanistan, hunting down Taliban and al Qaeda guerrillas.

When the world's most wanted man disappears, Morgan's role as bounty-hunter commands a much higher premium.

President Bush says Osama bin Laden can run, but not hide. Washington offers $25 million for its arch foe. Only one man knows how to find him -- and only Morgan has the expertise and grit to get close enough to make the kill. Trouble is they're enemies.

Pursued by US. forces, Morgan is drawn into the world of drug barons and warlords, of Pakistan's intelligence services and the enigmatic young Afghan woman, Amarayn. The climax is as brutal as it is unexpected.

This is a thriller in the five star category. Perfect holiday reading for those long lazy days on some beach.

A Hostile Place by John Fullerton (Pan Macmillan, £6.99)