A master forger. A promise of freedom. A dangerous game.

'A page-turner: morally complex and beautifully written' Leonora Nattrass, bestselling author of Blue Water

'Original and thoughtful' Peter Hitchens, The Lamp

In post-war Flanders, Adelais de Wolf's family is falling apart: her mother lost to religious devotion, her father to alcohol. But with the death of a beloved uncle, Adelais finds herself in receipt of an unexpected legacy: a shuttered house in a rundown district and its contents – contents that hold the promise of independence and wealth.

All that is required is application, nerve, and a willingness to break the law.

Soon she is caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with fanatical and brutal detective Major de Smet of the Federal Gendarmerie. Could it be that her new life comes at too high a price?

'Intriguing, pacy, [with] a host of memorable characters… [it] captures everyone’s heart' Virginia Baily, author of Early One Morning

PRAISE FOR PHILIP GRAY
’Immensely enjoyable’ BBC TWO BETWEEN THE COVERS
'Atmospheric’ THE TIMES
‘Haunting, cinematic and utterly gripping’ D. B. JOHN
‘Literary class, intellectual depth and thriller pacing’ MATT REES
‘Enthralling, enchanting . . . he really is that good’ DAVID YOUNG