Tom Wasp, a chimney sweep, was on his way to work early, when mudlarks informed him of a body in the mud of the Thames. He sent his assistant, Ned, to get the police while he walked into the mud to see. It was the body of his friend, Bessie Barton.
Tom had met Bessie when he was at a house cleaning chimneys. The master of the house was an artist who painted people. When Tom went to look at the chimney in his room he discovered Bessie posing for the artist. Mr. Drake, the artist, decides that he wants Tom included in the picture he is painting of Bessie. As they sit for Drake, Tom gets to know Bessie.
The police inform Tom that Bessie had been strangled before being tossed in the river. Tom vows to find out who killed her. In Covent Gardens, Tom learns that Bessie was known there as Lizzie Watkins. The cabbage seller is sure that she was running away from someone called Moonman.
The day after the funeral the police arrest Drake. He asks Tom to find the killer. Like a spider, Tom begins to spin some webs in the hopes of gathering information. He learns of a sister, and from that sister he learns of a boy. What has happened to him? When Tom discovers where they had lived, he learns that the Moonman has taken the lad.
Mudgwick, Drake’s lawyer hires Tom to investigate further, paying his expenses for so doing. Tom’s sources find Bessie’s brother for him, and from him, he learns more about Bessie. But, that doesn’t bring him any closer to the killer. Will more women die before Tom can find the killer?
Author Amy Myers’ novel is a good historical thriller, the first in a trilogy. Myers shows the dirty underside of Victorian London while presenting an unusual and determined detective. Be prepared for some surprises. A good, quick read.
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