An idyllic Cornish holiday in the summer of 1958. A happy aristocratic family blessed with wealth and promise. But unbeknown to all of them, death stalks paradise. When catastrophe strikes in the most unexpected way, the tragedy first breaks Celestria Montague’s young heart – then shatters her every illusion. With the backing of her grandfather, a flamboyant American robber baron, Celestria sets out to unravel the deadly yet bizarre riddle. Amongst the orange groves of Italy’s ruggedly beautiful southern coast, she finds a grotesque, bewildering mist of masquerades and mirrors. In this labyrinth of deception that threatens to destroy all her faith in family and affection, she meets a man who teaches her that truth is the heart of all love.
Epic romance and dark mystery, exotic places and glamorous epochs – such are Santa Montefiore’s unique trademarks. Allow yourself to be swept away by her superlative storytelling as you enter a world of love and lies.