A grisly discovery fished out of the River Thames marks the start of an intriguing new case for private detectives Grand & Batchelor.
September, 1873. Private enquiry agents Matthew Grand and James Batchelor have been hired by timber merchant Selwyn Byng following the disappearance of his heiress wife. The only clue they have to go on is a badly spelled note demanding the princely sum of lb5,000 if Byng is ever to see Emilia again. As the two investigators assess whether Byng has been telling them the whole truth, a second package brings an extremely unwelcome surprise.
At the same time, a human torso is found floating in the River Thames. Could there be a connection to Emilia Byng's disappearance ... ?
Review
"If you can imagine Dickens's Our Mutual Friend as adapted by Gilbert and Sullivan, you have the gist of this medley of mystery and comedy" - Library Journal
"An engaging style and a gripping plot make this one a sure bet for historical-mystery fans" - Booklist
