by H.L. Humes
First published 2009
John Stone carries the weight of wartime secrets through the chaotic streets of late 1940s Paris. The former American intelligence agent watches as the city erupts over the Dujardin treason trial. General strikes threaten to become full riots while Stone discovers he's under investigation as a suspected Communist sympathizer. The charges force him to confront his past work with the French resistance during the final years of World War II. Stone becomes entangled with Adriane, who captures the attention of both him and the Communist fanatic Carnot. Ambassador Bruce Sheppard represents American diplomatic interests while navigating the political powder keg. Solange Recamier, a widowed Parisian, sees something worth saving in Stone's war-damaged soul and attempts to pull him back from the brink. As the Dujardin affair intensifies, Stone must face the consequences of choices made in wartime shadows. The investigation threatens to destroy not only his freedom but also his chance at redemption through human connection.
Genres: historical-fiction, 20th-century, mystery, action, espionage, political-thriller
Vibes: dark, emotional, fast-paced, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, redemption, unreliable-narrator
Setting: Paris
Period: 1940s
768 pages · Kindle Edition · Random House Publishing Group
Content warnings: violence