In 1756 Calcutta is a city on the brink of Empire. The grandiose buildings of White Town, settled about Fort William, stand in stark contrast to the bustle of Black Town across the Maratha Ditch. In White Town Chief Magistrate Holwell and his arch-rival Governor Drake must unite to outwit the dangerous schemes of the nawab of Murshidabad. In Black Town the half-cast girl Sati, believed possessed by the Goddess Kali, finds herself the centre of a religious cult. But in Murshidabad the nawab wishes only to rid India of the British - an obsession that will lead to the notorious incident of 'The Black Hole of Calcutta.' 'Chand tells the story in a direct and compelling manner. The prose sweeps forward, and she evokes the period beautifully.' Telegraph 'Gripping... This rich and powerful novel is a wonderful historical epic and a poignant account of human suffering.' Good Book Guide