London, 1869: The body of a middle-aged man is found tangled in a mass of rope and wooden wreckage near the dockside of the River Thames. Commander William Monk of the River Police is called when initial investigations reveal the man was shot in the back. When he learns that the man was a master forger who had just escaped prison, Monk's interest is piqued. But as his investigations lead him deeper into the murky world of smuggling and forgery, Monk is forced to confront his own forgotten past. It soon becomes clear that a bitter enemy is back for revenge. With his life and career in danger, can Monk discover the truth before it is too late?