A mysterious dockside death

In the bustling heart of London's docklands, the shocking murder of a prominent shipping magnate sends ripples through the city. Found dead at West India Dock in the dead of night, there are no clear suspects-only whispers of intrigue. When Scotland Yard turns to Augusta Peel, she discovers an unexpected link to the case that pulls her deeper into the mystery.

As Augusta navigates the labyrinthine alleys and shadowy warehouses of the docks, tensions flare between Scotland Yard and the Port of London police. Suspicions fall on a sea captain, the magnate's ambitious son, and a glamorous hat shop owner with secrets of her own. Meanwhile, Augusta's relationship with Philip Fisher is tested to its limits as a sinister kidnap plot emerges.

In a race against time, Augusta must unravel a web of deceit before the killer claims another victim.