#1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens returns to the world of Barnaby Adair, his wife Penelope, and their growing band of sleuths in this mystery that reveals the dangerous underbelly of Regency London. Outside that glittering circle lay another world…and Laurens pulls back the curtain that has hidden it from us-until now

Montague has devoted his life to managing the wealth of London's elite, but at a huge cost: a family of his own. Then the enticing Miss Violet Matcham seeks his help, and in the puzzle she presents him, he finds an intriguing new challenge professionally...and personally.

Violet, devoted lady-companion to the aging Lady Halstead, turns to Montague to reassure her ladyship that her affairs are in order. But the famous Montague is not at all what she'd expected-this man is compelling, decisive, supportive, and strong-everything Violet needs in a champion, a position to which Montague rapidly lays claim.

But then Lady Halstead is murdered and Violet and Montague, aided by Barnaby Adair, Inspector Stokes, Penelope, and Griselda, race to expose a cunning and cold-blooded killer…who stalks closer and closer. Will Montague and Violet learn the shocking truth too late to seize their chance at enduring love?