Checkmate. A lyrical detective novella

Angel Bettel, a chess teacher, lives a quiet, lonely life. A chance encounter with an old friend drags him into a string of murders — all victims blondes. In Paris he meets Venus, whose friend was also killed. Together they hunt the killer, but the final move is played at a masquerade ball, where the stake becomes Angel’s own life. A story of betrayal, retribution, and the most dangerous piece — not on the board, but beside you.