A vulnerable heiress becomes the target of a calculated conspiracy when a predatory suitor orchestrates a scheme to seize her inheritance. Harriet Ogilvy, a woman with a cognitive disability, finds herself ensnared by the charming Lewis Oman, who manipulates her affections to gain control of her fortune. With the assistance of his brother and mistress, Lewis initiates a systematic campaign of neglect and cruelty designed to eliminate Harriet. The narrative unfolds with a clinical focus on the psychological manipulation and the cold, methodical progression of the antagonists' plot against their victim.

Readers and critics frequently note the clinical precision with which Jenkins dissects the mechanics of the crime. Discussion often centers on the author's ability to maintain suspense while grounding the narrative in the grim, documented facts of the Victorian legal system. Many highlight the stark contrast between the protagonist's innocence and the calculated depravity of the antagonists. The work is widely recognized for its psychological depth and its refusal to rely on sensationalism, opting instead for a chillingly realistic portrayal of human greed. Observers often comment on the book's enduring impact, noting that the tension remains effective decades after its initial publication.