Marietta Winters watches powerlessly as her younger brother is arrested and charged as the Middlesex Murderer. The gruesome killer slashes and mutilates his female victims viciously. Londoners roar for quick justice. Marietta cannot find help from her drunken older brother or her friends, who will not return her calls. Broke and without any options left, Marietta approaches Gabriel Noble, an investigator who helps those in need. His price is high and Marietta accedes. She will participate in the investigation without reservation and will give Gabriel three favors in payment.

At great cost, Gabriel Noble survived his experience with an amoral predator in his childhood. The episode left him with disdain and hatred for the upper class. And it changed Gabriel from prey to predator. He aids the weak against injustice, asking those who are unable to pay his exorbitant fees for future favors. His network has grown, along with his reputation. Gabriel demands total control and he leaves nothing to chance. When Marietta arrives at his door, he does not perceive her as an ordinary society miss, but as a sharp-tongued young woman who agrees to his demands without losing the only thing she has left -- her pride.

Marietta enters Gabriel's world as they scour the taverns and the streets looking for answers. As the victims are identified, it's evident that Gabriel is hiding something from her. He refuses to answer her questions and instead demands her trust. Marietta's choices are few, and she prays Gabriel will not betray her.

Ms. Mallory, who's written only six books, continues to astound us with her talent. She produces rich spellbinding Regency romances with compelling mysteries and wicked sensuality. She portrays her fascinating characters with a depth that explores their weaknesses and strengths. Plan on staying up all night, as it will become impossible to put this memorable book down.