Traveller's tale, psychiatrist's chair, scorching hot sex story Lee Diana Habash's diplomat husband has died, leaving her richer and hornier than expected. Among the coconut palms, she meets Rod, retired London villain, and embarks upon a steamy and stormy love affair. Goa is a state in social, political and sectarian upheaval. There are demonstrations against the building of the Konkan Railway, the rail connection with Bombay, which many feel will bring undesirables into the area. The Noble Order of Buffaloes are up in arms about the liberalisation of Goa's annual carnival. The Hindu festival of Shivaratri is about to turn nasty. Contrary to Rod's wishes, Lee supports her landlord's daughter in a bid to become Carnival Queen, with explosive consequences.