This novel takes place in Berlin during the 1920's, which was a very turbulent time for the country.

Ester Solomonova, whose face is horribly scarred, works as a secretary for "Prince" Nick who was not really a prince at all. Nick owns a cabaret and is always scheming to see what he can come up with next.

Nick thought he found the perfect scheme when he heard of a woman in an asylum claiming to be a grand duchess, daughter of the Czar of all the Russians, who escaped the assassination of the rest of her family by the Bolsheviks.

Nick manages to get the woman out of the asylum and renames her Anna Anderson. Nick places Anna with Esther in a run down apartment until he is ready to make his big announcement. Esther is very suspicious and doesn't believe anything much that Anna has to say especially when she states that someone is out to kill her. However, when people around Anna started turning up dead, Esther began to think twice about what Anna was saying.

With Esther's help, Berlin's Police Inspector Schmidt begins to look for the killer. However, the killer seems to have some very influential ties to people in the right places. To make matters more interesting, Hitler also seems to have some interest in Anna.

Are Esther and Schmidt able to find the murderer? What happens to Nick?

This is an intriguing and well-written historical novel that will keep the interest of the reader throughout the book. The characters are interesting and unique to say the least. The author has managed to make the reader feel the emotions that were taking place during this turbulent time in history. Be sure to add this book to your reading list. It is highly recommended.

REVIEWED BY NANCY EATON