Transport yourself to the south of France during a hot summer in 1935 with this latest offering from Mark Mills, author of bestselling debut The Savage Garden.

The story follows hero Tom, whose past involvement in the secret service comes back to haunt him leading to an ending so full of twists it makes for fast page turning.

After the dissaperence of his dog, a murder attempt and some suspicious characters at the local hotel, Tom realises that his past is catching up with him. We follow his desperate attempts to keep his secrets hidden from his Goddaughter, Lucy, and guests who have joined him at his seaside home, and as the pressure mounts, the cracks start to show.

Mills’ passion for European History is weaved through the story and we discover how each character is affected by the memories of World War One and the sense of further conflict on the horizon. Although this is a fascinating part of history, at times the facts seem to merge into a history lesson rather than a novel.

Fast paced and with a strong storyline it is a great read, yet with the time invested . I wanted to know more baout Lucy and Tom’s furture. Nevertheless, enjoy the last of the sunny weather with this engrossing story.