With gorgeous prose, European glamour, and an expansive wanderlust, Christine Mangan’sThe Continental Affairis a daring literary caper that is quick on its feet and delightfully surprising.

Meet Henri and Louise. Two strangers, traveling alone, on the train from Belgrade to Istanbul. Except this isn’t the first time they have met.

It’s the 1960s and Louise is running. From her past in England, from the owners of the money she has stolen–and from Henri, the person who has been sent to collect it. Across the Continent–from Granada to Paris, from Belgrade to Istanbul–Henri follows, desperate to leave behind his own troubles. The memories of his past life as a gendarme in Algeria that keep resurfacing. His inability to reconcile the growing responsibilities of his current criminal path with this former self.

But Henri soon realizes that Louise is no ordinary mark. As the train hurtles toward its final destination, Henri and Louise must decide what the future will hold–and whether it involves one another.