OCEAN'S 11 MEETS CONCLAVE IN THIS GRIPPING HEIST THRILLER SET AMONG A GROUP OF DUPLICITOUS CONMEN AND THIEVES WHO ARE DETERMINED TO STEAL THE VATICAN'S MOST REMARKABLE TREASURES.

'A superb heist thriller that entwines the sacred and the secret to incredible effect' - David Goodman, multi-award winning author of A Reluctant Spy

'Exquisitely plotted, whip-smart and absolutely satisfying' - Gareth Brown, internationally bestselling author of The Book of Doors
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When ageing conman Nikola Camilleri is hired to rob the Vatican, he thinks it's the perfect final score. Funded by the mysterious criminal mastermind Dante, Nikola assembles a team of old cons and new, and starts to lay the groundwork for the heist of a lifetime. The plan: break into both the Vatican Secret Archives and the Treasury of St Peter's Basilica, and walk out with enough priceless items to keep them living in luxury forever.

But as the pieces fall into place, Nikola suspects that the elusive Dante might have something more than theft on his mind.

Then the Pope dies - suddenly, unexpectedly-and the Catholic world is plunged into mourning. Hundreds of Cardinals, their associated security and staff, and millions of tourists descend on the city-state as the Vatican enters conclave.

Undeterred, the team push ahead, hoping to use the chaos to slip between the gaps. They impersonate clergy, steal ancient keys, and sneak through old smuggling tunnels that haven't seen human tread since the Renaissance.

But Nikola doesn't know that Dante has no intention of letting anyone escape.

That the heist is just the beginning.

That the real target isn't treasure - it's the very institution of the Papacy itself . . .

A truly global thriller phenomenon, White Smoke is to be published in over 30 countries - with Benedict Cumberbatch set to produce and star in the TV adaptation.