June 1945. The war is over. As dawn breaks across the hills of Provence, 15-year-old Pierrot stumbles across the body of Capitaine Patrocle, a local hero of the Resistance, who has been murdered. In his wallet, Pierrot finds a letter, which he conceals beneath his cap. It provides the key to the dramatic events that lie at the heart of this haunting story--and ultimately leads to the boy's introduction to the beautiful Madame Henry and the mysteries of love. French author Pierre Magnan has written more than 25 novels, including "The Murdered House, " which was short-listed for the CWA Historical Dagger Award.