by Morris West
First published 1998
An Italian general lies dead in his apartment. Beside the corpse rests a card bearing the image of a salamander. Colonel Matucci takes the case, expecting routine police work. Instead, he discovers the salamander represents something far more dangerous. The symbol connects to wartime origins and carries meaning about courage, justice, and ultimate power. As Matucci pursues the investigation, he uncovers a network of political violence that threatens to consume him. The deeper he digs, the higher the stakes climb. His enemies force him to confront terrible choices. He must decide what he will sacrifice to stay alive. His lover's safety hangs in the balance. His moral principles face destruction. The salamander's web tightens around him, demanding he choose between survival and everything he values.
Genres: 20th-century, mystery, crime, political-thriller
Vibes: dark, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, moral-ambiguity
Setting: Italy
Period: World War II
304 pages · Mass Market Paperback · Random House UK
Content warnings: violence