Obsession drives Eleanor Watkins after reading her sister's journal of the depravity she endured at the hands of a powerful lord. Her sister was an innocent sent from the country to enjoy a single Season. She returned broken and she committed suicide unable to live with the memories. Eleanor wants retribution and carefully plots Lord Rockberry's demise. As Eleanor trails Rockberry, she notices that a man follows her. When she is attacked, the stranger comes to her rescue.

Scotland Yard Inspector James Swindler watches as the young woman follows Lord Rockberry. He cannot understand why Rockberry is frightened of her and called Scotland Yard for protection. When he saves Eleanor from her attackers, James plays the part of a suitor to her. Seducing the answers from her should be easy. He is very good at it having learned as a lad while trying to survive in the desolate rookeries. But, James graduated from being a thief to a Scotland Yard inspector.

Eleanor is certain James is in the employment of Rockberry. Her seduction plan goes smoothly as she cons the master swindler. Then her cool head deserts her as she falls in love with James. However, love will be fleeting when trust is missing.

In Ms. Heath's take on Dicken's Oliver Twist, she tackles survivors guilt and the lengths they go to balance the inequalities of the law. The characters demand retribution, but the cost leaves them wounded. Ms. Heath produces an intense emotional read as she delves into their conflicted souls.