Originally published: Great Britain, Sinclair Robinson, 1995.

"First published in Britain, King's aptly titled fictional debut follows the U.S. success of his second novel, Ex Libris. It tells how young and naive George Cautley, an amateur physiognomist and aspiring artist, makes his way through 18th century London's high society, where nothing is as it seems and everyone wears a mask. From masquerade balls and elaborate drawing rooms to the dark and menacing maneuverings behind the scenes, King effortlessly evokes a lively age of deception and disguise as Cautley is drawn into a web of intrigue spun by beautiful and tempestuous Lady Beauclair, castrato Tristano, and other characters. Replete with mystery and suspense and immersed in vivid historical details, this work is also a sharp, philosophical musing on the disguises of the world and the search for the truth that lies beneath" from Library Journal.