An elegant and atmospheric literary thriller that will delight fans of 'The Interpretation of Murder' and 'The Shadow of the Wind'. Eighteenth century France, the Age of Enlightenment. Young calligrapher Dalessius has just been released from prison and finding himself homeless takes a job as Voltaire's messenger and spy. Soon he's entangled in a web of secrets and intrigue, leading from the courts and scaffolds of Toulouse to Paris, and a mysterious fortified monastery. There Abbot Mazy and the legendary calligrapher, Silas Darel, guide a horrific secret...