When a young photographer captures the image of a deceased girl in a portrait, he inadvertently unleashes a vengeful spirit upon 1872 New York City. Horace Carpetine, an apprentice committed to the principles of science and logic, finds his worldview challenged when his camera reveals a spectral presence. Alongside Pegg, a servant girl who understands the dark history of the Von Macht family, Horace must navigate the intersection of early photographic technology and the supernatural. The narrative follows their efforts to contain the entity before it completes a cycle of retribution against those responsible for its past suffering.

Readers frequently highlight the effective use of historical atmosphere to ground the supernatural elements of the story. Discussion often centers on the technical details of 19th-century photography, which provide a unique framework for the ghost narrative. Critics note the balance between the mystery of Eleanora's death and the developing friendship between Horace and Pegg. The pacing is often described as deliberate, allowing the tension to build steadily as the characters uncover the truth behind the haunting. Many readers appreciate how the book addresses social themes without sacrificing the suspenseful nature of the plot.