The French Resistance is planning a crucial attack on the German troops' communications center, installed in an old castle in Sainte-Cecile. The leader of this difficult mission is Flick Clairet, one of the most valuable agents of the British special operations. The first plan fails, with devastating consequences, leaving the Germans on alert. But Flick never surrenders, and have another plan: to form an all-female team, the Jackdaws, who will infiltrate the Castle disguised as cleaners. The team loses some of its collaborators, but Flick does not give up.
Ken Follett achieves a narrative of great tension, which captures the reader's attention from the first pages to the end. Numerous sensual scenes are described, having as a backdrop the atmosphere of the spies, both British, German and French.