In 1784, at the age of thirty-six, James Mallen is murdered on the banks of the Thames. His restless spirit lives on, searching for Augusta Corney, the woman who in life enthralled him and who now holds the key to his death. Woven into the tale of Mallen's quest is the parallel narrative of his life: of his career as a physician-midwife, his marriage, and his fateful encounter with Augusta. Together they form a captivating tale, as vivaciously humorous as it is achingly sad.