When two women are found strangled in the studio of a London artist, including the wife of Dr. Kristian Beck, who is accused of the killing, William Monk, his wife Hester, and their close friend, Lady Callandra Daviot, set out to clear their friend's name.
Ritual murder, mysterious disappearances, and theft spur Victorian investigator William Monk and his wife Hester to investigate an arms dealer and his seemingly flawless London mansion.
When wealthy Mrs Farraline dies during the night, her pearl brooch is found in the possession of her nurse, Hester. When it is revealed that Mrs Farraline was poisoned, Hester is charged with murder. Will the secret shame of the Farraline family be exposed in time to save Hester from the hangman?
Set in 17th century Puritan Boston, Hester Prynne gives birth to an illegitimate child and is condemned to wear the scarlet letter 'A' as a sign of her adultery. Hester refuses to reveal the identity of her lover, and is forced to lead a life of humiliation. Meanwhile, Hester's husband settles in Boston and after making her swear to keep his identity secret, tries to discover who Hester's secret lover is.
