A perplexing double murder in Victorian London ignites a desperate investigation. Detective Sergeant Harry Pilgrim, one of London's nascent police detectives, stumbles upon the body of a woman in a Hackney cab. The case appears simple until the sole suspect is discovered murdered within his cell, complicating the investigation. Pilgrim grapples with his own tragic past—a deceased son and a vanished wife—while navigating the unsolicited involvement of Charles Dickens, who is weaving Pilgrim's exploits into his publication, 'Household Words'. This intricate case evolves into a dangerous pursuit where the roles of hunter and hunted are constantly in flux.

The premise sets up a classic historical mystery with a compelling procedural element, enhanced by the intriguing inclusion of Charles Dickens as a narrative device. The dual murders and the detective's personal demons suggest a narrative rich in suspense and character development. The historical setting of Victorian London, a period rife with social contrasts and burgeoning scientific advancements, provides a fertile ground for intricate plotting and atmospheric tension. The story appears designed to engage readers who appreciate well-researched historical detail interwoven with a gripping crime narrative.