There is only one thing in the world that they brilliant young musician, Jacques Clavel, wants; to marry his beautiful English sweetheart Mary Lessington. But his hopes are shattered and his heart broken when, against her will, Mary is forced to marry the wealthy Earl of Ventyre!

In his despair Jacques vows to dedicate the rest of his life to music until, after ten long years, it seems that at last his dream may come true. But Jacques has not bargained for Auriol Crannock, a woman of unparalleled greed, jealousy and evil, a woman who is determined to possess Jacques - and keep him away from his beloved Mary - whatever the cost.

So, when Auriol is found brutally murdered in her Mayfair flat, the evidence seems conclusive...