Elizabeth II's coronation is looming, but the murder of their wartime commander, Colonel Cartwright, spoils the happy mood for DI Edgar Stephens and magician Max Mephisto. Edgar is sent to New York on the trail of a small-town mesmerist who may provide the key. But it's Edgar's colleague, DS Emma Holmes, who finds the clue that leads them to an anarchist group; intent on providing an explosive finale to Coronation Day.