'Rat Race' Summary

Following a devastating atomic explosion on the battleship Alaska, Lieutenant Commander Frank Jacklin wakes up in New York, inhabiting the body of Winnie Tompkins, a dissolute stockbroker. Facing the impossibility of explaining his true identity, he attempts to blend into Tompkins' extravagant lifestyle, navigating the complexities of his wife, mistress, and secretary. Meanwhile, his past experiences and knowledge of classified military secrets draw him into a web of intrigue and espionage in Washington. As he delves deeper into the world of government secrets, he discovers that his predicament is connected to a larger conspiracy. The novel unravels the mystery behind Tompkins' disappearance and the true motivations behind Jacklin's identity swap, leading to a dramatic climax where he must confront the consequences of his new life and the threats he faces.