1811–1812 years. Cadiz, the last stronghold of the Spaniards fighting for their independence, is besieged by the French. The troops of Joseph Bonaparte systematically bombard the city, and, strangely enough, it is precisely in those places where the shells land that a series of brutal murders of young girls occurs. Rogelio Tison, the local police commissioner, known for his lack of gentleness, along with Hippolyte Barroul, the commissioner’s chess partner, is searching for the mysterious murderer… A novel by Perez-Reverte – sharp, on the brink of life and death, tense, at times insane multi-move chess game, the pieces of which are unpredictable, and the outcome of the game can change not only the fate of the heroes but also the course of world history. The writer himself, author of such international bestsellers as "The Flanders Panel," "The Dumas Club" (the literary basis of "The Ninth Gate" by Roman Polanski with Johnny Depp), the series of novels about the adventures of Captain Alatriste (adapted with Viggo Mortensen), and many others, describes the book thus: "Technically, this is my most complex novel, with the most intricate structure… After twenty years, I feel like I have returned to my old novels. Here there are political intrigue with espionage, an investigation, a love story, naval battles, and adventures".
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