As an immigrant, Fredrick Wolf has to succeed at Morrow Academy of Anatomy and Science. Not merely succeed, he must prove to his peers he belongs—he isn't the poor local Dr. Morrow accepted out of pity.

Fredrick will do anything to procure a prime medical specimen. Calling upon his uncle, a dependable partner in crime since moving to England, Fredrick plans to use his uncle's position at Clayton Bridge's gaol to select the perfect candidate.

Not all prisoners are the usual drunkards or petty thieves. Some possess dark secrets, especially the man known as Eugene Wallaby. Biding his time, Eugene sees young Fredrick's murderous plan as a means of escape...if he survives the night.