A killer, page-turning narrative, full of thrilling twists and turns . . . The kind of book which reminds me why I love history -- Alice Loxton, author of EIGHTEEN
With his characteristic deep scholarship and literary verve, Milton has thrust back into the limelight someone who once was never far from it, but today is virtually unknown -- Andrew Roberts, author of CHURCHILL: WALKING WITH DESTINY
Giles Milton sheds light on a part of the world that has become suddenly and urgently relevant, telling a cracking adventure story from the past with verve, panache - and a twist worthy of Hollywood -- Jonathan Freedland, bestselling author of THE TRAITORS CIRCLE
An astonishing piece of work and research: my fingernails are bitten to the quick. It's thrilling, humbling and awe-inspiring . . . Eye-stretching in its ghastliness, bravery and cruelty. A fabulous true story brought to life -- Joanna Lumley
No one is better than Giles Milton at recovering the great forgotten dramas of history and bringing them to vivid life. Giles has become one of our most beloved narrative historians and here he excels in his craft. A fabulous tale of ambition, madness and catastrophe that combines dogged research with wonderful storytelling -- William Dalrymple, author of THE ANARCHY