How do you find something that doesn’t exist?

1926. On the cliffs of Yorkshire, men are lowered on ropes to steal the eggs of the sea birds who nest there. The most beautiful are sold for large sums. A small girl—penniless and neglected by her family—retrieves one such treasure. Its discovery will forever alter the course of her life.

A century later. In a remote cottage in Wales, Patrick Fort finds his friend, Nick, and his mother tied up and robbed. The only thing missing: a carved case containing an incredible scarlet egg. Doggedly attempting to retrieve it, Patrick and Nick discover the cruel world of egg trafficking, and soon find themselves on the trail of a priceless collection of eggs lost to history. Until now.

A taut, wonderfully imagined novel brimming with skullduggery at every turn, The Impossible Thing is a blazing testament to Belinda Bauer’s status as one of our greatest living crime writers.

Praise for The Impossible Thing:

“It’s hard to overstate the absolute charm of The Impossible Thing. Remember the feeling of wonder the first time you fell in love with a book? This.”—Val McDermid, author of Queen Macbeth

“An extraordinary novel. Belinda Bauer writes so beautifully. There’s a deceptive simplicity to The Impossible Thing that packs a real punch, and the characters and their stories have really stayed with me. Highly recommended!”—Ann Cleeves, author of The Raging Storm

“Part crime caper, part historical mystery, The Impossible Thing is one of the most enjoyable novels I’ve read in ages. Meticulously plotted and told with wit and heart, it is utterly distinctive and totally addictive.”—Paula Hawkins, author of The Blue Hour

“I loved everything about The Impossible Thing: the effortless interweaving of the timelines, the flawed, interesting characters, the beautiful rendering of the historic setting and the natural world, and the twists and turns in the present day plot. Belinda’s compelling exploration of man’s obsession and the darkness that follows in its wake made me laugh and cry. A wonderful, brilliant mystery.”—Laura Shepherd-Robinson, author of The Square of Sevens