The body of a young girl has been found floating in the Thames. Dr.
Donnelly determines that she has been raped repeatedly over a long
period of time. Magistrate Sir John Fielding is outraged. A neighbour
woman identifies the child and states that the mother had sold her to a
rich man. Shortly after this, Jeremy Proctor, protege of Fielding,
begins his investigation and meets the uncle of the victim. They begin
to work together.
Although admonished by Fielding not to let the uncle direct the
investigation, Jeremy finds himself letting just that occur. It is at
this time that a friend of Jeremy's soon to be fiancé, Clarissa, goes
missing. It appears that she may have gone off with a pair of
scoundrels in Covent Garden.
Assured that the mother of the little girl who had been killed, would be
in Newmarket for the King's Plate, Jeremy and Constable Patley head
there in hopes of finding her. Having found her, she just as quickly
slips their grasp and heads back to London. Patley and Jeremy follow,
but only after picking up their race winnings. Back in London Jeremy
finds out that the missing girl has returned, but is much the worse for
wear. He and Fielding hurry to quiz her about her ordeal. Fielding
doesn't trust her story, nor that of the person who the girl accuses of
victimising her.
Author Bruce Alexander ensures that justice is served before the end of
this murder mystery. He also tosses in a real surprise at the end. As
usual, a very good read from this author.
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