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It is 1899, and Thomas Pitt, now head of Britain’s Special Branch, is summoned to Kensington Palace. Queen Victoria herself requests his help: her close confidante Aunt Vespasia Cumming-Gould has asked him to investigate the suspicious death of Sir John Halberd, a respected government figure. Sir John was found dead in his carriage after taking a drive along the Serpentine in Hyde Park. The death is officially attributed to natural causes, but Vespasia (and the Queen) fear otherwise. Because of Sir John’s sensitive political position, the matter must be handled with utmost discretion. Pitt soon uncovers hints of poisoning, and as he and Charlotte investigate, they realize the case is tied to high-level corruption, espionage, and secrets that could endanger the monarchy itself.