A novel likely written in the early 21st century. The story revolves around two protagonists, John Raffles and his younger companion Charly Brand, as they embark on an adventure through a post-war landscape in northern France, particularly the site of the significant battlefields from World War I. The novel blends elements of mystery and historical narrative, exploring themes of loss, memory, and the haunting remnants of war. The opening of the book introduces the reader to a large red tourist bus traveling through a primarily devastated region, reminiscent of the fierce battles fought during the war. Raffles and Charly are depicted as they abandon the bus tour to explore on foot, seeking a deeper connection to the historical significance of the land. They encounter troubling sights that reflect the traumatic past, including ruins of homes and remnants of war. Their journey leads them to a peculiar woman engaged in frantic digging, suggesting a tragic backstory intertwined with the landscape they traverse. As they investigate, the narrative hints at a complex mystery involving the woman, her possible insanity, and the profound impacts of the war both on individuals and the land itself.
