It is 1938, the eve of WWII. London. There is tension in the air as war seems inevitable. Stella Fry, a young Englishwoman who has recently returned to London from Vienna, finds herself jobless and heartbroken. In search of employment, she answers an advertisement from the renowned mystery writer, Hubert Newman, who needs a manuscript typed. However, the very next day, Stella is shocked to learn of Newman's sudden and unexplained death.
Twenty-four hours later, she receives Newman's manuscript dedicated to her with the words: "To Stella, spotter of mistakes." Was Hubert's death natural? Or was there something more sinister? Harry Fox, a former Special Branch surveillance expert, believes that Newman's death was not accidental and seeks Stella's help, as she was the last person to see him alive. As they investigate, they realize that the manuscript Stella is typing might hold the key to the truth behind Newman's demise.
Jane Thynne weaves fact into fiction as the lives of these fictional characters are entwined with those of real-life figures like George Orwell, Dorothy L Sayers, and Wallace Simpson. This novel weaves together a compelling mystery with the historical tensions of pre-war Europe, and the insidious rise of fascism.