Mr Sansom has already established an eager fan base with his three novels dealing with the Tudor period, interweaving historic detail, a gripping whodunnit and a vivid writing style. Now he has switched his location completely, to Madrid in the early days

Mr Sansom has already established an eager fan base with his three novels dealing with the Tudor period, interweaving historic detail, a gripping whodunnit and a vivid writing style.

Now he has switched his location completely, to Madrid in the early days of the last war, when it seemed that Franco's Spain was about to enter the fray and give another boost to Hitler.

Three former pupils from Rookwood public school find themselves in very different circumstances as they negotiate a political minefield and a country ruined by a bitter civil war.

Thanks to David's Bookshop, Letchworth GC. 4/5