Dark fantasy meets complex thriller tension: Markus Heitz's urban mystery bestseller is a perfect blend of the uncanny, evil, and subtle horror. Former player Tadeus Boch comes into possession of a mysterious playing card from a past century in Baden-Baden. Soon, he is caught in a whirlwind of unforeseen and mysterious events, seemingly centered around the ancient card. It speaks of a curse. What is its significance? Who created it? Are there more? Where could they be found? Many are interested in this, and soon Tadeus is being hunted as he tries to uncover the secret. Suddenly, the stakes rise: it is nothing less than his own life. The Spiegel bestseller about a devilish card game is now available in paperback. A finely balanced mix of sophisticated horror elements and historical references.