Much of a strange and tragic drama of revenge, lust, fear, and death has already been played by the time Charity Selborne arrives at a plush resort in the South of France. But by befriending a terrified boy and catching the attention of his enigmatic, possibly murderous father, Charity has inadvertently placed herself center stage.

A strange flower grants a young girl magical powers, which leads to the adventure of a lifetime.

Set against the sun-bleached beauty of the isle of Crete, the story pits a young English tourist against a wily Greek jewel thief.