Maeko hasn't been long away from the gritty London streets, and she's already learning that civilized life comes with its challenges. She must dress proper, eat proper, and be a proper lady. She can't even talk to a boy without a chaperone. If not for her feline companion Macak, she might lose her mind.

When an explosion takes the life of someone close to Macak's wealthy owner, the Literati—a powerful group vying for control of the city—say it was murder. Maeko is at the top of their list of suspects. With Macak at her side, she and her former allies must brave a city thrown into turmoil by rebellion and conspiracy in search of the truth.