In *The Book of Names*, Paul Ashford weaves a masterful tale that intertwines the fates of a disgraced French Count, two ruthless Russian oligarchs, and an eclectic mix of characters, all revolving around a manuscript that holds the key to the world’s destiny. The story ignites when a dishevelled ex-con and a bankrupt aristocrat collide on a rain-soaked street in Paris, inadvertently triggering a conspiracy that stretches back to the very origins of the French Republic—and possibly beyond.

At the heart of this gripping narrative lies a decaying château, a stolen fortune, and the enigmatic leather-bound artefact known as *The Book of Names*. This legendary tome is said to contain the true names of all living beings, granting unparalleled power to those who unlock its secrets. As the protagonists are pursued by oligarchs, occultists, and a formidable witch, they are joined by a master thief, a philosophising chef, and three daughters of a long-extinct warrior order. Together, they embark on a thrilling adventure that blurs the line between myth and reality.

Ashford’s novel is a razor-sharp literary thriller that delves into themes of identity, secrecy, and the potent magic of language. Richly imagined and slyly satirical, *The Book of Names* resonates with contemporary relevance, exploring the unsettling notion that words may not merely describe our world—they may control it.