What drives someone to seek asylum in their own country? Alex Donovan, a young refugee lawyer, has built his career on helping others escape danger. But when his own life begins to unravel—demoted, signed off sick with stress, and facing exile to his firm’s basement-level billing department—he finds himself in need of rescue. To make matters worse, Amy, the brilliant and irresistible junior barrister he adores, seems to be slipping away.

With little to lose and everything to prove, Alex hatches a bold and reckless plan to reclaim his honour and win Amy’s heart. But in a system where justice is often elusive, and survival depends on outwitting the odds, his gamble may cost him more than he ever imagined.Sharp, darkly funny, and deeply humane, SANCTUARY is an electrifying debut that shines a light on the UK’s asylum system with wit, urgency, and unforgettable characters. Drawing on insider knowledge, Tom Gaisford delivers a legal thriller that is as gripping as it is thought-provoking—an urgent exploration of justice, love, and what it means to belong.