Milan Berg is a petty criminal with a secret—he’s illiterate. Though he has a brilliant photographic memory and strong mental arithmetic skills, the inability to read or write haunts him, making survival a constant struggle. That is until he meets Andra, who offers him a job and an unexpected sense of purpose.
One fateful day, while waiting at a traffic light, Milan spots something unsettling. A terrified girl in the back seat of a car presses a note against the window. Though he can’t read what it says, he knows she’s in danger. With Andra’s help, he begins an investigation that leads them to an abandoned villa, uncovering more questions than answers. Then, the unthinkable happens—a call from the kidnapper, demanding a ransom. Why would a stranger target him for blackmail?
A single clue—a photo with a hidden code—reveals the girl’s name: Zoe. But what truly chills Milan is recognizing the code. It’s one he and his childhood girlfriend invented in secret. How could this girl possibly know it? As past and present collide, Milan finds himself drawn into a dark mystery that forces him to confront the most traumatic night of his life—the night his mother died.
This novel is a masterclass in psychological suspense, blending mystery, trauma, and the power of the written word in a gripping narrative. The translation captures the intensity of the original, making every twist and revelation hit just as hard. The ending is unforgettable. If you love thrillers that challenge your mind and emotions, this one is a must-read.