London, 1873. Madeleine Brewster's marriage to Dr Lucius Everley should have been the answer to her family's prayers. Lucius is a well-respected collector of natural curiosities - his 'Small Museum' is his life's work, although firmly kept under lock and key. His sister Grace's philanthropic work with fallen women also adds to the Everleys' polished reputation.

However, Maddie begins to suspect that unimaginable horrors lie behind their respectable façade. Then she is framed for a shocking crime that would take her to the gallows. Her only hope is her friend Caroline who must prove Maddie's innocence before the trial reaches its fatal conclusion.