In this sequel to the acclaimed The Wages of Sin-and once again set in moody fin de siecle Edinburgh-Sarah Gilchrist finds herself trying to prove her fiance's innocence in the midst of his murder trial.

Edinburgh, 1893.

Sarah Gilchrist has no intention of marrying her dull fiance Miles, the man her family hopes will restore her reputation and put an end to her dreams of becoming a doctor, but when he is arrested for a murder she is sure he didn't commit, she finds herself his reluctant ally.

Beneath the genteel facade of upper class Edinburgh lurks blackmail, adultery, poison, and madness, and Sarah must return to Edinburgh's slums, back alleys, and asylums as she discovers the dark past about a family where no one is what they seem, even Miles himself.

It also brings her back into the orbit of her mercurial professor, Gregory Merchiston-he sees Sarah as his protege, but can he stave off his demons long enough to teach her the skills that will save her life?