Penrose and Pyke's hopes of a quieter life are dashed by a spate of baffling burglaries and a persuasive charlatan promoting a miracle cure.

Dunedin society is up in arms as their valuables vanish without a trace from locked homes. Although the trail leads to an apparent dead end, private detective Charlie Penrose Pyke catches the scent of a shadowy figure lurking behind the scenes.

Meanwhile, Grace Penrose Pyke's reckless curiosity leaves her in a precarious position with life-changing consequences, after she is drawn into an investigation of dubious medical devices. Their combined talents will be needed to unravel this pair of shocking deceptions.

The Penrose & Pyke Mystery series is set during a remarkable period of social upheaval in 1890s New Zealand.