A chance encounter with a vivacious Russian academic at a conference plunges historian Miles Mallalieu's life into excitement and chaos. But is Vera Petrovna all she seems to be? Miles' infatuation with Vera is to drag him into a cauldron of intrigue, deceit and blackmail - involving MI5, politicians, a bent billionaire, scheming colleagues and a corrupt scientist. It is to propel him into new worlds - from luxury yachts and exclusive nightclubs to a prison cell. As the story of their turbulent relationship races from Chicago to London and towards its dramatic finale on a Mediterranean island, Miles is unable or unwilling to shake off Vera's emotional hold. He finds solace in an archaeological discovery that promises to supercharge his fading career. It is then that Vera brings news that will transform both their lives.