A naked, burning man runs up a hill of rubble on the last day of the Second World War in Berlin. In one hand are fragments of a white flower and he whispers "Ich liebe Sie alle," I love you all. He is saved by a young Irish-American colonel, Kells. Certain the man with no identity or memory will die, Kells gives him the name 'Hyman Kaplan' who Kells, as part of Operation Lucy, has been sent to kill because, absurdly, Hyman is part of Lucy, and Lucy kills her own to remain secure. Pickering's new novel is a sensationally readable tale of intrigue, sex, horrific killings, and sacrifice.
"(on previous work) This is a hilarious, inventive black comedy that inverts all values and mocks the religious spy thriller set in exotic parts in the world of 'cloak and stagger' … The black comedy of the year."
The Times
"(on previous work) Altogether, this is a smashing debut from a new comic novelist of terrific promise."
The Observer
"(on previous work) Is it as good as Graham Greene? Yes, it is, and in some ways better."
