In 1846, whilst working in Birmingham, Richard Fielding is wanted for two murders that he did not commit. Unsure who to trust, he takes refuge with a gang of railway navvies.Unaware that he holds vital information concerning the safety of the young Queen Victoria, Richard is soon being hunted by various revolutionary groups, the police, and the shadowy English spymaster known as the Spider.Police Inspector Daniel Roberts believes in Richard's innocence, and must find him before the others do. But if successful, he will have to prosecute Richard for murder! An unscrupulous barrister, Mallory Kempe, also wants Richard dead - but is it just because of Sophie Henderson? In a rapidly changing England, and with Europe heading towards revolution, Richard's future is anything but secure.