After witnessing the young daughter of the Portuguese ambassador be rudely treated by the scion of a British financier, Charlotte and Thomas learn of a foul rape-murder. London society is already reeling after the awful failure of an armed raid led by the Englishman Jameson into Boer territory, in South Africa (prior to what will be the Boer War). Several notable British men may have invested heavily in that venture. As part of his job, Thomas Pitt is already aware of the international ramifications of the raid. After tragedy comes to the Portuguese girl, Thomas learns that a few other young women have also been assaulted. Since the matter concerns a friendly ambassador, Thomas decides to quietly look deeper into the otherwise local spate of crimes. Little does he know that the rape-murder (and perhaps the other attacks) may be connected to the Jameson raid-at least, to one or two investors thereof.
While there are earlier novels centering around Charlotte and Thomas, one need not have read them to fully and delightfully appreciate this novel. The relationship between Charlotte and Thomas is depicted subtly, but the reader will note the depth of emotional and rational partnership between these two marvelous characters. The development of a marvelous deeply rich friendship between two other characters is also poignant and rewarding.
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