In Victorian London, Reed Lydney's carefully constructed life has fallen apart. Dismissed from the Foreign Office for an indiscretion, he now lives with his sister Cadence, whose husband's recent suicide has left her nearly bankrupt. When Reed encounters Israel Kupersmit, a Jewish scholar fallen on hard times, their immediate connection goes beyond their shared love of poetry. Together they uncover a web of espionage, blackmail, and murder that threatens the British Empire's interests in The Great Game against Russia. As they race to expose a dangerous conspiracy, Reed and Israel must navigate their growing feelings for each other while staying one step ahead of a Russian spymaster who will stop at nothing to protect his secrets. The fourth installment in the acclaimed Ormond Yard series delivers a gripping tale of forbidden love, international intrigue, and the courage to forge a future together against all odds.