A dangerous mission is underway in Occupied Rome, right under the noses of the Gestapo. The acclaimed wartime thriller from the award-winning and internationally bestselling author of My Father's House.

May 1944. Rome is still ruled by the Gestapo, but the Allies are closing in.

As tensions rise, John May’s work smuggling escaped prisoners of war to safety through the Vatican Escape Line grows ever more treacherous.

When a hijacked strongbox of Nazi money is discovered, May’s Escape Line comrades hope to use it to help their cause. But the money has been stolen by an infamous Roman criminal: a man whispered about for his legendary ruthlessness.

May’s mission to recover the looted cash will take him to dangerous extremes. As rumours infect the beleaguered city, Gestapo boss Paul Hauptmann’s behaviour becomes increasingly desperate. Soon the pair are set on a deadly collision course which will test May’s courage to its limit.

PRAISE FOR JOSEPH O’CONNOR
'As thrilling, beautiful and sensational a novel as you'll read this year or any year' Sunday Times

'Combines the pleasures of the ideal holiday read with those of a literary masterpiece' Fintan O'Toole, Irish Times

‘A superb testament to humankind’s bravery and resilience . . . moving and immersive’ Guardian, Books of the Year

© Joseph O'Connor 2027 (P) Penguin Audio 2027