"Operation Hermes" is the dramatic sequel to the satirical novel "War Under the Mango Tree." After a high-tech manhunt kills notorious warlord Daniel Odoki, the Democratic Republic of Gisawi teeters on the edge of chaos. An economic crisis and rioting in the streets threaten to topple the government of the longtime American ally. Amid the turmoil, the country's aging autocrat, President Namono, looks to Beijing for support, raising fears in Washington of a new superpower rivalry emerging in Africa.When President Namono is nearly killed in a mysterious assassination attempt, news of the attack sends his rivals scrambling for advantage, each hoping to occupy the executive mansion. Will it be the president's power-hungry wife and handbag connoisseur Charity, his hard-drinking playboy son Fabrice, or ambitious defense minister Mugaba Odongo? With the country's future hanging in the balance, spies, diplomats, and soldiers race against time and each other to get their own candidate into power.