October, 1939: War has been declared, but until the armies massed on either side of the French-German border engage, all is quiet on the Western Front.

There are those who believe the war no one wants to fight should be brought to a swift conclusion, even if it means treachery.

A year ago, Conrad de Lancey came within seconds of assassinating Hitler. Now the British Secret Service want him to go back into Europe and make contact with a group of German officers they believe are plotting a coup.

But this is the Shadow War, and the shadows are multiplying: it's not only disaffected Germans who are prepared to betray their country to save it...

Michael Ridpath spent eight years as a bond trader in the City before giving up his job to write full-time. He lives in north London with his wife and three children. Visit his website at www.michaelridpath.com.