J & M Beresford

Days before the outbreak of WWII in Europe, amidst the magnificent mansions and rolling lawns of Newport, Rhode Island, a young woman is murdered. A local man is arrested, but Detective Josh Tyler is convinced that the killer is Heinrich Kraal, visiting guest speaker at the `American First Committee' symposium and rising star of Hitler's Reich. In an unlikely alliance with enigmatic lawyer Kristen von Nagel, Tyler discovers that Kraal is linked to similar murders on previous U.S. visits. However, any chance of pursuing a case against Kraal disappears following Pearl Harbour, when Germany declares war on the USA.Three and a half years later, with Russian troops pouring into Berlin, Kraal contacts the Americans and agrees to travel to the US to stand trial for the murder. Dispatched as the arresting officer, Tyler arrives in the ravaged German capital and finds that Kraal is a Russian prisoner. And his problems are just beginning.

Marcus Hazel is touched by greatness. A rising star of the new coalition government, Hollywood looks, formidable intellect, attractive wife and family - he has the full set. Then suddenly it all starts to come undone when he is suspected of the murder of a young female researcher. When questioned he initially lies about his whereabouts to conceal a liaison with a high-class courtesan. Realizing he is trapped between a murder charge and a career-ending scandal, in desperation he turns to his elder brother for help. Tomas Hazel is a serial under-achiever. A man whose values and behaviour reflect an earlier, more gentle age. Against his better judgement he agrees to help his brother and soon finds himself caught up in a web of deception. As the detectives start to tighten the net, the old fashioned solicitor and the stunning courtesan form an unlikely alliance to try to establish the truth. To his increasing horror, Tomas Hazel realizes that his brother has been less than truthful.

Rachel Cade is a bright, buoyant, ebony black eleven year old, growing up in the grey mono-culture of post war England. She is moved to a Salvation Army orphanage in the Cheshire countryside where she meets Tullerman - a tough, taciturn, emotionally scarred German boy three years her senior. The two outsiders form an unlikely alliance that builds into a strong, unbreakable emotional bond. Separated against their will, they embark on their different lives. Although polar opposites, and despite wildly contrasting life styles, the bond between them refuses to die. Tullerman remains Rachel's anchor throughout her troubled life and she rushes to her friend's support when tragedy strikes. While enjoying sustained international success, Rachel learns that Tullerman is facing a life changing challenge. She walks away from her wealthy life style and quietly travels to be with him. When they meet again, the balance of their relationship has fundamentally changed. Their friendship faces its greatest challenge.