In the golden summer of 1914, Jean-Marc Montjean, recently graduated from medical school, comes to the French village of Salies to assist the village physician. His first assignment is to treat the brother of a beautiful young woman called Katya Treville. As he and her family become friendly, he realises they are haunted by an old, dark secret… but he can’t help falling deeply in love with Katya.

Jean-Marc is mysteriously warned away from Katya by her louche brother Paul, but he is young, hopeful and in love… and certain that Katya returns his feelings. When he learns that the Trevilles are planning to leave the village forever, he insists on a final meeting with Katya. During that meeting, Katya’s disturbing secret is revealed, and a potentially idyllic romance turns into a shattering nightmare. The chilling dénouement, reminiscent of Hitchcock at his best, will stay with the reader long after the last page is turned.