The first historical crime novel of scenic intrigue (Vogue) starring Thomas Hawkins, a rakish scoundrel with a heart of gold, set in Georgian London. London, 1727. Tom Hawkins refuses to follow in his fathers footsteps and become a country parson. His preference is for wine, women, and cards. But theres honor there too, and Tom wont pull family strings to get himself out of debtnot even when faced with Londons notorious debtors prison. The Marshalsea Gaol is a world of its own, with simple rules: Those with family or friends who can lend them a little money may survive in relative comfort. Those with none will starve in squalor and disease. And those who try to escape will suffer a gruesome fate at the hands of its ruthless governor and his cronies. The trouble is that Tom has never been good at following rules, even simple ones. And the recent grisly murder of a debtor, Captain Roberts, has brought further terror to the gaol. While the captains beautiful widow cries for justice, the finger of suspicion points only one way: do the sly, enigmatic figure of Samuel Fleet. Some call Fleet a devil, a man to avoid at all costs. But Tom Hawkins is sharing his cell. Soon Toms choice is clear: get to the truth of the murderor be the next to die.