1940. Britain has invaded neutral Iceland, but Daphne Devine has bigger problems. She has sailed into allied territory to track down a clairvoyant suspected of collaborating with the Nazis.

As an undercover operative, Daphne must thread her way through a land steeped in shadow and riddled with secrets. But when a new lead pulls her North into Strandir, land of sorcerers, what she uncovers sets off a deadly chain reaction. The stakes are raised, and suddenly it’s not just her life on the line, but the fate of her entire team.

In a world of deceiving occultists and age-old magic, Daphne must use every ounce of cunning and craft at her disposal to outwit enemy agents if she wants to emerge unscathed and get her team out alive.

Praise for The Grand Illusion:

'Vivid and thoroughly entertaining... More, please.' Guardian, best crime and thrillers

‘A breathtaking historical thriller.’ Erin Kelly, author of The Skeleton Key

'Quirky, clever and compelling.' Anna Mazzola, author of The Clockwork Girl

'Sensory and tactile storytelling. Thrilling, compelling and original. An exquisite delight of a novel. Highly recommended.' J.A. Corrigan, author of The Nurse

'In a way, the series is becoming a kind of quirky parallel history, leading the reader to doubt versions of reality with adventures and conspiracies a-plenty … An exhilarating romp with a likeable heroine with a difference, this is simply great fun.' Crimetime review

'The story has some both light-hearted and serious moments, high-stake fights, and tear-jerking conclusions against the backdrop of the wondrous scenery of Iceland that makes the reading worthwhile.' Historical Novels

'Every step of the way is shrouded in mystery, with danger lurking around every corner, and it’s going to take every inch of Daphne’s wit to get herself and her team out alive. It’s the ultimate high-stakes thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.' Essex Life

Syd Moore is currently the first Author in Residence for Essex Libraries. She is best known for her Essex Witch Museum Mysteries. The series was shortlisted for the Good Reader Holmes and Watson Award in 2018 and 2019. Syd founded the Essex Girls' Liberation Front and successfully got the term ‘Essex girl’ removed from the Oxford dictionary in 2020. Her debut screenplay, Witch West will go into production in 2024. She lives in Essex.