There's a sort of thriller, and I don't know if they do this any more or if things have changed so radically since their heyday they're simply unrecognisable, that takes the research-driven mechanics of its plot profoundly seriously, such that much of it is the meticulous working out of practical solutions to obstacles that are either physical, financial or even philosophical. Hence, we have an Indian clerk in Malaysia who finds a cache of arms and has to work out how best to turn them into capital for his endearingly modest dream of owning and running a bus service. It's the financial side of things that draws in an American tourist to act as a broker in name only, and it's tricky dealings over getting a cheque signed that sends him and his wife into danger, because, of course, practical solutions are all very well until they meet various unavoidable imponderables to do with human nature, politics and prejudice. Intelligent, sly, and rich in setting, milieu and assorted colourful characters.