First published 2025
Captain Lacey has barely returned from Italy when London presents him with a puzzling case. A man lies dead in Seven Dials, stabbed to death, and the prime suspect already sits behind bars in Newgate Prison. The accused is James Denis, notorious underworld boss whose guilt seems certain. Yet Denis shows little enthusiasm when Lacey offers to prove his innocence. Something about the situation strikes Lacey as wrong. He teams up with his elegant friend Lucius Grenville and loyal companion Brewster to uncover what really happened that night. Their investigation plunges them into a maze of secret societies and failed coup attempts. The deeper they dig, the more enemies of James Denis emerge from the shadows. Many powerful people would celebrate if the mysterious crime lord disappeared forever. Lacey must navigate treacherous waters where political conspiracies intersect with personal vendettas, and where proving one man's innocence might expose secrets that others will kill to protect.
Genres: historical-fiction, mystery, crime, thriller, detective, 19th-century
Vibes: atmospheric, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: amateur-sleuth, enemies-to-allies, found-family
Setting: Italy, London, Newgate Prison, Seven Dials
Period: 19th-century
329 pages · Kindle Edition · JA / AG Publishing