Based on a remarkable true story, this book focuses on Lydia, who comes of age during the Russian Revolution, her sister Alexandra, who finds strength in the darkest of times, and her brother Feodor, who loses everything.

A tale of war, family, love, deception, and murder, Crime Passionnel describes the family’s journey from the turmoil of revolutionary Russia to the struggles of émigré life in Berlin and Paris.

A lightly-fictionalised  extraordinary family saga, based on true events, crying out to be made into a film.

Andrew Lownie, author of (a.o.) Stalin’s Englishman

The true facts on which this moving story is based are vividly brought to life in a free-flowing visual style. Paris in the 30s with its cosmopolitan cultural heritage was an obvious choice for any affluent Russian family seeking refuge in Europe, and the journey and difficulties encountered are inspiringly described by Masha van der Heyde.

Vladimir Cosma, composor, conductor, violinist