This is the second in the medical mystery series, featuring Dr. Barnabas, the forensic pathologist and police-surgeon at the Old East Hospital. In this story she is involved in investigating the harrowing case of suspicious deaths of small babies in the maternity unit. Author Claire Rayner's insight into medical issues led her to launch a number of high-profile campaigns, including raising awareness of incontinence, tackling the problems of migraines, and instigating the Medical Passport scheme. Her gift for communication resulted in probably her best-known role as agony aunt for problem pages in The Sun, the Sunday Mirror, and Today. She was also a frequent contributor to radio and television broadcasts on matters of health, relationships, and contemporary morality. She spoke regularly on matters relating to care of the elderly in her capacity as commissioner to the Royal Commission on Long Term Care of the Elderly.