The issue of genetic engineering and the possibility of using it to seek revenge and play God are the theme of this book that uses a dwarf called Lambert, a connection to Mendel, and an unrequited love affair to weave a 21st century fable.

Marian Sutro is an outsider: the daughter of a diplomat, brought up on the shores of Lake Geneva and in England. But when she is recruited from her desk job by SOE to go undercover in wartime France, it seems her hybrid status will be of service to a greater, more dangerous cause.

Rob and Jamie are great friends from childhood. They have grown up together and become top climbers, but have since become estranged. Rob is nevertheless grief-stricken when he hears of Jamie's death after a fall on a relatively easy Welsh rockface. The past, though, hides the secret clues behind the tragedy.

*An exciting and atmospheric novel that will continue to expand the audience for Simon Mawer

A brilliant Cold War spy story from the Man Booker shortlisted author of The Glass Room