Maeko hasn't been long away from the gritty London streets and she's already learning that her new civilized life comes with its own challenges. She has to dress proper, eat proper and be a proper lady. She cant even talk to a boy without a chaperone. She's got proper coming out of her ears. If not for her feline companion Macak, she might go mad. Her one hope for some freedom and excitement comes when the moody detective, Em, asks her to be an apprentice. But that apprenticeship comes with a price. She must agree to spy on Macaks owner, Lucian, the wealthy businessman and inventor whose life she saved. Everything changes when Lucian's brother dies in an explosion while visiting Lucians home in the heart of London. The Literatia powerful group vying for political control of Londonsay it was murder and Maeko is on their suspect list. With Macak at her side, she must turn once more to her allies, Chaff and Ash. They will have to brave city streets torn by rebellion and conspiracy to find the truth.