"Dark, disturbing . . . Simenon discovered something fundamental about the soul." —The Guardian

A string of murders has the small French town of La Rochelle in its grip. The victims, all elderly women, have been found strangled with cello string—in cafés, over card games, near the canal. As the winter rain gives cover to the killer stalking the streets with impunity, we watch as he deliberates over and justifies his heinous acts to himself, unaware that the quiet, unassuming tailor, Kachoudas, has discovered his secret. In this chilling game of cat and mouse we follow along in the steps of the killer, unsure if his crimes will be brought to light by the one man who knows his secret, or if Kachoudas will end up being the next of his victims in this masterful tale of murder and intrigue.