In the oil-rich and environmentally devastated Nigerian Delta, a British oil executive’s wife has been kidnapped. Two journalists – a young upstart, Rufus, and a once-great, now disillusioned veteran, Zaq – are sent to find her. In a story rich with atmosphere and taut with suspense, Oil on Water explores the conflict between idealism and cynical disillusionment in a journey full of danger and unintended consequences. As they navigate polluted rivers flanked by exploded and dormant oil wells, they must contend with the brutality of both government soldiers and militants. Assailed by irresolvable versions of the ‘truth’ about the woman’s disappearance, dependant on the kindness of strangers of unknowable loyalties, their journalistic objectivity will prove unsustainable, but other values might yet salvage their human dignity.