While struggling to uncover the murderer of a hypnotist named Celeste, private investigators Lavinia Lake and Tobias March begin a relationship with one another.
Hired to teach four orphaned girls at remote, ramshackle Aldwick Castle, Miss Concordia Glade soon discovers more sinister forces about. When she plots to become the girls' liberator as well as mentor, she also unexpectedly finds love.
Resourceful Lavinia Lake's life becomes increasingly complicated after she becomes involved with Mr. Tobias March, an investigator who claims he has traced a dangerous villain to her store in Rome.
