<p>A world of passion, wealth and influence from the author of The Herzberg Trilogy and The Lute Player.</p><p>"Sunday the 22nd of August 1875. I saw today an enchanting young woman on the river, bathed in golden sunlight. I cannot remove her from my mind..."</p><p>So begins the obsession of a man of wealth and influence, its darkening shadow spreading from southern France to Paris, to Cochinchina and Spain, altering lives. For some it will be fatal; some will find freedom. A former detective, a society beauty, an imperial concubine, a painter, as well as the girl herself, are each subject to its thrall - and all have passions of their own.</p><p>Victim or agent? Guilty or innocent? You decide.</p>