'By turns a beautiful love story, a fascinating glimpse into the horrors of history and a haunting tale of loyalty and courage. A marvel of storytelling' - Chris Whitaker, bestselling author of All the Colours of the Dark

'Around every corner of this richly imagined world, we discover some new wonder'
New York Times

'An ambitious work that brings its setting and its large ensemble of characters vividly to life'
Sunday Times

'Cinematic and so very satisfying... A phenomenally immersive read'
Claire Lombardo

'A marvel: strange, witty, moving, exuberant... at once gloriously extravagant and perfectly poised'
Robert Macfarlane

The Avallon Hotel offers unrivalled luxury in the wild Appalachian Mountains, its curative sweetwater washing away the troubles of high society. June 'Hoss' Hudson, a local girl turned general manager, has known its power since she first stepped through the century-old doors - and into the fold of the Gilfoyle family, the hotel's aristocratic owners.

But in 1942, the real world intrudes. War comes to the Avallon dressed in fine furs and government suits. Under the State Department's watchful eye, the Gilfoyle heir welcomes three hundred enemy diplomats and Nazi sympathisers. And June must play host.

As dark alliances and unexpected desires crack the Avallon's polished veneer, not every guest is who they seem. Not least Agent Tucker Minnick, listening for secrets through the hotel walls, whose coal tattoo threatens to betray his past and undo June. And more troubling is the secret she has guarded for years - that the mountain waters can harm as much as heal...

The extraordinary, genre-defying debut adult novel by the No. 1 New York Times bestselling author.