Victorian-era police detective Nat Frayne leans more toward fists and fast dealing than the strict letter of the law. But in these three cases Frayne goes up against adversaries who may be even tougher and slicker.

In The Case of Dancing Kali, the apparent appearance of a murderous gang of Indian thuggees terrorizes London. Frayne, however, follows his own instincts, which lead him into most surprising areas of English society.

When a blackmail scheme turns to murder in The French Medium, Frayne investigates a beautiful mesmerist, who leads him into haunting visions of his dead wife.

The Dread Men sees London invaded by the notorious New York Irish gang the Dead Rabbits. When they move in on Covent Market, where Frayne's parents still sell produce, the conflict between him and the gang leader turns personal.