This story has a lovely pace to it and draws the reader in taking the reader on journey that covers a complicated plot, to untangle a web of deceit set against a convincing backdrop of London, Dublin and Antwerp during the 1940s and 1976.

Goddard cares about his characters and carefully embroiders detailed persona for: Eldritch Swan and his nephew, Stephen Swan (who never knew his uncle existed until now). Together they avoid an elusive enemy as they unravel a plot that sets fake Picasso and Irish politics and murder during troubled times.

The plot is convoluted but as a thriller Goddard excels at getting the historical feel right and war time Antwerp seems the most unfriendly place to be, a place to escape from urgently! And he adds an element of romance for young Stephen.

A cracking good read and must be highly recommended!