"Now the name of one of those ways was Danger, and the name of the other Destruction." - John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's Progress.

Angela Graham is a master gambler - but even master gamblers suffer losing streaks. And Angela has lost everything. Down to her last few pounds she accepts the assistance of the mysterious Russian, Prince Oranovsky, who offers her a position as companion to his elderly sister, who lives in mournful exile on the French Riviera. Leaving her firends, including her beloved Jim Chichister, Angela travels to Monte Carlo to take up her new position. But she soon suspects that something sinister is afoot at the house of the Princess. Why is Angela kept a virtual prisoner in the house? And who are the shady agents in hot pursuit of the Prince? As danger closes in around her, a chance meeting with Hercules Popeau of the secret service may be the lifeline Angela needs. But is it already too late?

Originally published in 1929, this vintage thriller by the author of The Lodger features a memorable French detective, thought to be a partial inspiration for Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot.