Knowledge of Water

An enigmatic man haunted by guilt and a dark secret from the past . . . A beautiful young woman consumed by a desire that could destroy her lifelong dream . . . A madman who stalks them both in retribution for a murder they know nothing about. They are all part of one of the most critically acclaimed suspense novels of the year.THE KNOWLEDGE OF WATER"Lushly erotic . . . The centerpiece of Sarah Smith's elegant period novel is the torrential flood that nearly swept Paris away in 1910. . . . An exquisite stylist, she observes her characters in the most intimate detail, defining them with witty precision and placing them in a rain-drenched portrait of Edwardian Paris that could hang in the Louvre."--The New York Times Book Review"Compelling . . . Engrossing . . . Envelop[s] the reader with history, mystery, and passion."--The Boston Herald"A haunting tale . . . An accessible mix of historical speculation, literary allusion, and suspense, [this novel] could become this year's Name of the Rose."--Entertainment Weekly"As satisfying a mystery as the Mona Lisa's smile."--USA TodayFrom the Trade Paperback edition.