John Rawlings has never been happier. His apothecary business is doing well and he is blissfully content with his charming wife and adorable little daughter. But an evening out at an illustrious theatre party at Gunnersbury House, hosted by Princess Amelia, shatters his happy existence. When one of the popular characters of the series comes to an untimely end, suspicion falls upon John Rawlings when he is found crouched over the inert figure. Despite his protestations of innocence, many at the scene, including the powerful Princess Amelia, believe John to be the murderer and he is forced into hiding. Along with his closest friends, John attempts to delve through the layers of deception to uncover the truth.