A long-buried secret from a clandestine affair resurfaces, forcing the protagonist to confront the shadows of a decade-old mystery. The narrative follows a protagonist entangled in the fallout of a romance that spanned twelve years, set against the backdrop of the 1920s. As they navigate the social landscapes of England and the Cote d'Azur, they must contend with hidden motives and the lingering consequences of past deceptions. The story utilizes a classic mystery framework, layering historical atmosphere with the tension of a long-unresolved personal conflict.

Robert Goddard is widely recognized for his ability to construct complex, multi-layered mysteries that rely on historical detail and psychological depth. Readers often note that his work excels at capturing the specific anxieties of the post-war era while maintaining a tight, suspenseful narrative. The prose is frequently described as elegant and precise, favoring a methodical approach to uncovering secrets rather than relying on gratuitous violence. This particular title is viewed as a quintessential example of his style, blending romantic intrigue with the darker undercurrents of a well-kept secret.