'Utterly compelling...I couldn't put the book down' Observer'Surprising and dark and excellent' New York Times'A gripping and sophisticated thriller' IndependentSoon to be a major film adaptation starring Jessica Chastain and Ralph Fiennes David and Jo Henniger are on their way to a party at their old friends' home, deep in the Moroccan desert.But as a groggy David navigates the dark desert roads, two young men spring from the roadside, the car swerves and collides with one of the boys... Meanwhile, festivities at the house are in full flow.Under the watchful eyes of their Moroccan staff, the extravagant hosts attend to the whims of their glittering, insatiable guests as the party rages on into a new day.The stage is set for a weekend in which David and Jo must come to terms with their fateful act and its shattering consequences. 'As menacing and engrossing as the best McEwan' Sunday Times