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

One of the best historical crime novels I’ve ever read * Frances Quinn *
A riveting detective story that turns the genre on its head. Gray captures the complexity of postwar Belgium with empathy and ruthless precision. And he gives us an unforgettable heroine to root for at the heart of his superbly crafted novel -- Alice Austen, author of 33 PLACE BRUGMANN
In Two Storm Wood Philip Gray brought the scarred post-Great-War battlefields of France to life; in The House with Nine Locks he moves to a grimy post-Second-World-War Flanders. Adelais de Wolf reinvents herself at the glamorous heart of society by embracing life at its murky edges. A page-turner: morally complex and beautifully written. -- Leonora Nattrass, bestselling author of BLUE WATER
Adelais is a tremendous central character ... Beautifully realised ... Enchanting ... Has [the] power to compel and intrigue * Time & Leisure *
'This intriguing, pacy novel contains a host of memorable characters [and a] magical evocation of place … Adelais de Wolf, a heroine worthy of the name … makes fantasy into a reality and captures everyone’s heart, the reader’s included' -- Virginia Baily, author of EARLY ONE MORNING
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 *
Original and thoughtful -- Peter Hitchens, in THE LAMP

Philip Gray studied modern history at Cambridge University, and went on to work as a journalist in Madrid, Rome and Lisbon. He has tutored in crime writing at City University in London and serves as a director at an award-winning documentary film company, specialising in science and history.

He lives in London.

https://www.philipgraybooks.com/