Ben’s life has taken a dive. His marriage has failed and he needs that big break for his work as a screenwriter. When he meets up with an old schoolfriend, it seems that his fortunes may have changed for the better.

Ben cannot remember being that close to Jacob at boarding school. In fact they were thrust together more by their families than by any strong bond. But Jacob, who is now known as Victor, and a hugely successful businessman, is seemingly indebted and lavishes more and more gifts and benefits on Ben.

First revelling in the lifestyle bestowed on him by Victor, Ben becomes increasingly uneasy. Little by little, he is forced to recall the details of the childhood feud and question Victor’s true motives behind the lavish acts of generosity.

This is a true page-turner of a summer read. The reader delights, with Ben, in the novelty of the extravagant lifestyle but all too soon realizes that nothing in life is free. What are Victor’s intentions? What will happen to Ben? Who can be trusted? What in Ben’s life is genuine and true? There is plenty to ponder as the mystery unfolds, but Victor is the least satisfactory of the characters and his motivations aren’t entirely convincing. Nevertheless, a thoroughly enjoyable book.