Italian actors... French spies... At least the thugs are English... Charles Patterson is not happy. It's the hottest June for years, he's stuck in musical rehearsals with a family of Italians, some local ruffians are after his blood, and someone is trying to break into the house of Esther Jerdoun, the woman he loves. When a murder is discovered, he fears Esther may be next. It's time to ask some tough questions. Who is the strange man masquerading under a false name? Are there spies abroad in Newcastle? Why is a psalm-teacher keeping vigil over a house in the town? And can Patterson find the murderer before he strikes again?