Synopses & Reviews
Sent to Spain in 1944 to arrest a rogue spy, British agent Peter Cotton expects an easy first assignment. But he arrives to find his quarry dead and all of Cadiz awaiting his arrival. In a hotbed of scandal and murder, Cotton must navigate a labyrinth of international conspiracies, shifting political allegiances, and a mysterious local expatriate community to discover the truth. What he unearths could just tilt the emerging balance of post-war power and the course of history for ever.
Review
"Cottons investigating is clever and fascinating." Guardian
Review
"An impressive novel with an extraordinary, dreamlike atmosphere. . . . The next cant come too soon." Financial Times
Review
"A splendid debut . . . terrific and convincing historical atmosphere; I am delighted that she is writing more Peter Cotton novels." Times
Review
"Addictive." Sunday Telegraph
Review
"A gripping thriller . . . precision and grace . . . rich authenticity. Let's hope Monroe finds an American readership and the book becomes more readily available here soon." Orange County Register
Review
"It's really quite wonderful." Linda Fairstein, author, The Deadhouse
Review
"Her writing is skilful and evocative . . . a stylish and impressive debut." Economist
Review
"Accomplished debut . . . Monroes portrait of Cadiz in the aftermath of the civil war is atmospheric, and in a surprising twist the mild-mannered Cotton turns out to be as devious as his adversaries." Sunday Times
About the Author
This is Aly Monroe's first novel, part of a projected series that begins during World War II and follows the process of decolonization and the aftermath of Empire.