Irish barrister Patrick Fitzgerald is summoned by Queen Victoria as her husband Albert lays on his deathbed. Twenty years have passed since Patrick was last called to the castle to undertake the defense of a man who'd attempted to assassinate the young queen. That event earned him Queen Victoria's undying hatred to this day. The reason for this summons remains unclear until Patrick leaves and an attempt is made on his life. Nothing makes sense as his law partner is savagely beaten and killed. Then his dear ward, Georgiana, is accused of a crime. Patrick must discover why the Queen wants him dead.

Patrick and Georgiana flee with the Queen's henchmen on their trail. They delve into the past, convinced it holds the key to the present. Hints begin to emerge of a horrible secret, and the Queen will sacrifice anyone or anything to protect her throne. The horrors Patrick and Georgiana endure nearly break them as they race to find the answers that could lead to their salvation -- or death.

Ms. Barron's meticulous research is evident as she seamlessly blends fact with fiction. She includes the appalling state of the Irish in Victorian England as they are used as the scapegoats for all troubles. The gripping plot weaves medical ignorance with resistance to change among the medical community. The real historical characters are brilliantly portrayed. Queen Victoria comes alive with all her faults and prejudices. Her relationship with her daughter, Alice, is fascinating and repelling, at the same time.