Superintendent Thomas Pitt cannot immediately ascertain exactly what segment of society the dead man riding the morning tide of the Thames came from, but the sight of him is unforgettable. Is he, as Pitt fears, a French diplomat who has gone missing? Or merely someone who greatly resembles him?

Local businessman Harry Exeter doesn't want the aid of the Thames River Police in tracking down the men who kidnapped his wife, Kate, only their help in navigating Jacob's Island, a mass of decrepit buildings where he will hand off a large sum of money in exchange for her life. When they arrive at the meeting place, Commander Monk and five of his best men are attacked from all sides, and Monk is left wondering who could have given away their plans--and...

Not since the bloody deeds of Jack the Ripper have Londoners felt such terror as that aroused by the gruesome beheadings in Hyde Park. And if newly promoted Police Superintendent Thomas Pitt does not quickly apprehend the perpetrator, he is likely to lose his own head, professionally speaking. Yet even with the help of Charlotte Pitts subtle investigation, the sinister violence continues unchecked. And in a shocking turn of events that nearly convinces...

England, 1865. Hester Monk, the wife of William Monk, commander of the Thames River Police, questions the finances of a London church whose members' hard-earned charitable gifts appear to go into the pocket of charismatic preacher Abel Taft. Taft is accused of extortion and brilliant barrister Oliver Rathbone, newly appointed a judge, is chosen to preside over the trial. Taft's guilt seems clear, until a last-minute witness completely undermines the...