From the author of BBC 2 Between the Covers Book Club Choice Two Storm Wood comes a compelling and sweeping historical suspense novel that follows a master forger, the menacing detective on their tail, and an ambitious young woman who becomes embroiled in a deadly game of cat and mouse.
In post-war Flanders Adelais de Wolf's family is slowly but surely coming apart after an event nobody will talk about: her mother evermore lost to religious devotion, her father to alcohol. But with the death of a beloved uncle, Adelais finds herself in receipt of an unexpected legacy: a shuttered house in a rundown district and its contents - contents which hold the promise of wealth and independence. All that is required is application, nerve, and a willingness to operate outside of the law.
Adelais takes the plunge, 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 Major de Smet of the Federal Gendarmerie, a brutal man who never forgives and never forgets.
Embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, will Adelais find that her new life comes at too high a price?
A master forger transforms a young woman's life - but what will it cost her?
In post-war Flanders, Adelais de Wolf''s family is slowly, inexplicably, falling apart: her mother evermore lost to religious devotion, her father to alcohol. But with the death of a beloved uncle, Adelais finds herself in receipt of an unexpected legacy: a shuttered house in a rundown district and its contents - contents that hold the promise of independence and wealth. All that is required is application, nerve, and a willingness 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 Major de Smet of the Federal Gendarmerie, 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?
Cinematic and seductive, The House with Nine Locks is a compelling and sweeping historical novel with characters you won't soon forget.
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
