Veronica Speedwell investigates whether or not the oldest son and heir of Sir Hugo Montgomerie, believed to be killed in the eruption of Krakatoa, is actually still alive.

A British aristocrat with an eccentric family and a husband she does not love, Lady Julia Grey is stunned by the sudden death of her husband and enlists the help of private sleuth Nicholas Brisbane to unravel the mystery of his death and the threats that he had been receiving, all the while taking on an unconventional role in London society.