“An acknowledged master . . . writes with heart and unfailing intelligence” in this meditative Inspector Castang mystery about sexual obsession and love (Publishers Weekly).

When Inspector Henri Castang is asked to investigate the death of a colleague and friend, an Irishman whose erratic behavior raises questions about his involvement in the I.R.A., Castang travels through Europe in search of answers. What the detective discovers is a very different picture of the friend he once knew, a sordid tale of sexual obsession that plunges Castang into the world of organized crime, on the trail of a mystery that calls into question the very nature of the human heart.

Praise for Nicolas Freeling:

“In depth of characterization, command of language and breadth of thought, Mr. Freeling has few peers when it comes to the international policier.” —The New York Times

“Nicolas Freeling . . . liberated the detective story from page-turning puzzler into a critique of society and an investigation of character.” —The Daily Telegraph

“Freeling rewards with his oblique, subtly comic style.” —Publishers Weekly

“Freeling writes like no one. . . . He is one of the most literate and idiosyncratic of crime writers.” —Los Angeles Times