In Lou Gilmond’s fantastic debut literary mystery novel, it’s 1960’s Mallorca and Thomas Sebastian is an English conman on the run. Hoping to hid out from his creditors, he’s taken an old Spanish finca as his hideout. He discovers the house untouched since the death of its last owner, the renowned and distinguished Senyor Rodriguez – with fine art on the walls, a library of books and cellar full of wine. Thomas slips easily into his new life – walking, reading and drinking; falling in love with his neighbour, the beautiful but impossibly young Isabella Ferretti. But when he puts on Rodriguez’ white linen suit and heads into the city, things get a little out of hand.

This literary mystery novel is a riotous tale of excess, desire and greed, set in a sultry Spanish island summer of 1964. Lou Gilmond’s prose at times crackles with wit and at others is stomach-heavy with sensuality. Through it all, Thomas is thrilling if feverish company.