This first book in the series sets up the heroine's story: daughter of the coroner. When a young woman is found dead on her family's doorstep Dr. Karno begins to investigate, but Madeleine becomes more involved as the mystery takes them to a cloister where she has access the men don't.

This book took a bit of a supernatural turn that I wasn't expecting, but I am looking forward to seeing where the next volume goes. This series reminded me a bit of the Lady Darby mysteries by Anna Lee Huber.