A master forger transforms a young woman’s life – but what will it cost her?

‘One of the best historical crime novels I’ve ever read’ Frances Quinn

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

In post-war Flanders, Adelais de Wolf's family is unraveling: her mother increasingly consumed by religious fervor, her father by alcohol. But when her beloved uncle dies, Adelais finds herself in receipt of an unexpected legacy: a shuttered house in a rundown district and its contents hold the promise of independence and wealth, if she is willing to break the law.

Adelais stifles her doubts and her fortunes are transformed. But with her rise comes complications: her victimless crimes may not be as victimless as she supposed. Nor has she counted on the singular fanaticism of a brutal detective who never forgives and never forgets.

Caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, will Adelais find that her new life comes at too high a price?

'A riveting detective story that turns the genre on its head' Alice Austen, author of 33 Place Brugmann

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

'Original and thoughtful' Peter Hitchens, The Lamp


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