The no. 1 bestseller from the author of Kolymsky Heights. "As significant as ...le Carre in bringing a gritty new realism to the thriller." (Sunday Telegraph). An ancient scroll has been discovered in Israel. Caspar Laing, a brilliant and fiery professor, is asked to decipher it and soon finds that it contains the directions to the secret location of a priceless artefact. As he makes the treacherous journey into the desert, he is joined by dangerous rivals determined to claim the prize. He must win the race at all costs. "Ceaselessly gripping ...A joy to devour." (The Times). "Brilliantly entertaining." (Sunday Express)