The gripping new historical crime thriller from the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Royal Secret

Over 1 Million Andrew Taylor Novels Sold! A Times Historical Crime Novel of the year

‘An absolute delight in a series that goes from strength to strength’ S. G. McLean, prize-winning author of the Seeker series

‘This is Taylor at his unassailable best’ Financial Times

London 1671

The damage caused by the Great Fire still overshadows the capital.

The disfigured body of a man is unearthed in the ruins of the old almshouse, forcing architect Cat Hakesby to stop restoration work. It is clear he has been murdered, and Whitehall secretary James Marwood is ordered to investigate.

When the man’s identity is revealed, it’s clear that there are larger forces at play, and Marwood comes under serious pressure to solve the case. But an old adversary is attempting to stop him.

As Cat and Marwood follow the threads of corruption into the heart of government, the king himself is being distracted from affairs of state. A young, impoverished Frenchwoman has caught his eye – a quiet affair that will have monumental consequences.