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

'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 unraveling: her mother increasingly consumed by religious fervor, her father by 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, 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 Major de Smet of the Federal Gendarmerie, 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. Gray gives us an unforgettable heroine to root for at the heart of his superbly crafted novel' 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

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

"Adelais is a tremendous central character ... Beautifully realised ... Enchanting ... Has [the] power to compel and intrigue" - Time & Leisure

"A wonderfully original and atmospheric crime novel… [a] beautifully modulated tale of forgery, gambling, ballroom dancing and star-crossed love" - Mail on Sunday

"A captivating read" - Woman's Own

"This is a book that will keep you reading well into the night" - RTÉ Radio