The setting for Clio Gray's new historical crime novel is a country estate called Astonishment Hall in Yorkshire, which is full of weird and wonderful exhibitions. Several unpleasant incidents have recently occurred: the seemingly accidental burning of a tower and the boy who was trapped within it, the theft of a Perspective Box from Astonishment Hall, and more shockingly, the violent murder of the valley policeman. Major Pytchley, the present owner of the Hall, has come to a dead end with his own investigations, and sent to London for help.

Whilbert Stroop, introduced to readers in THE GUARDIANS OF THE KEY, arrives with his entourage and finds himself embroiled in one man's warped desire for vengeance against ancient wrongs. Stopping him before he does any more damage is another matter entirely...