By the author of Black Narcissus and The River

''[Godden''s] distinctive, poised and unsentimental books have never lost a shred of their almost hypnotic appeal'' ROSIE THOMAS, GUARDIAN

''One of our best and most captivating novelists'' PHILIP HENSHER

''[Godden has] a genius for storytelling'' EVENING STANDARD

''All horses can walk - some badly, some well, but to a few is given a gift of movement feline in its grace, a slouching, flowing continuous movement that is a joy to watch. Dark Invader strode in glorious rhythm, his great shoulders rolling, muscles rippling along his flanks under the satin skin.''

In 1930s Calcutta, a beautiful racehorse brings together a group of outsiders: John Quillan, a talented trainer ostracized for his marriage; Mr Leventine, the shrewd new owner of Dark Invader; Ted Mullins, his groom, whose career has been derailed by scandal; and Mother Morag, head of an order of nuns working with the city''s poor.

Sold in disgrace and shipped to India after a disappointing first season, the horse requires gentleness and careful handling - but soon becomes the firm favourite for the famous Viceroy Cup. Then, days before the race, Dark Invader disappears. When all seems lost, Mother Morag''s sharp wits and gentle wisdom may just be their salvation. . .