A serial killer stalks the grimy streets of 1895 London, preying on the city's underclass while the wealthy elite remain oblivious. The year is 1895, and Britain's global standing is precarious, with a widening chasm between the rich and the poor fueling crime and social unrest. While Sherlock Holmes caters to the city's elite, private investigator Arrowood operates in the less glamorous, densely populated south London, dealing with the grittier crimes that the police cannot handle. Arrowood, a man who disdains Holmes and his methods, relies on his understanding of human nature rather than forensic clues to solve cases.

The premise sets up a gritty, character-driven mystery set against the backdrop of late Victorian London. Arrowood's disdain for Sherlock Holmes suggests a narrative that will explore contrasting investigative philosophies and perhaps critique the societal structures that allow such disparities to exist. The focus on the underclass and the 'sleazier' crimes implies a darker, more grounded tone than traditional Holmesian tales. The novel appears poised to offer a compelling look at the hidden realities of a city often romanticized.