In a 15th century Flemish painting two noblemen are playing chess. One of the men depicted was later murdered. Centuries later, in 20th century Madrid, Julia, a picture restorer preparing the picture for auction, realises that there is a message hidden within it that provides a clue to the ancient murder. The white knight is gone. The white queen is in danger. Pointers lie within the game shown in the painting. As she teams up with a chess master to plot the next move, Julia discovers the game is on and that the mystery is not restricted to the past. The stakes are still high and her own life may be in danger. In The Flanders Panel, with its use of art history and the moves of chess as crucial elements of his plot, Perez-Reverte shows again his ability to combine a riveting narrative with dazzling erudition and intellectual gymnastics.