Jago and Litefoot are back in London, but in the wrong century. Reunited with Ellie Higson, they settle into new lives and investigate new cases - but the past is coming back to haunt them.
There are toads on the loose on the streets of London. People are falling ill in restaurants - and Jago and Litefoot are on the case of food that eats people.
A stranger arrives at Professor Litefoot's bookshop, in search of a work called The Bloodchild Codex. Soon Jago, Litefoot and Ellie are facing an ancient book which threatens to bring a terrifying power back into the world.
It's the night of Jago's biggest show - but he isn't quite prepared for the special guest star - as the curtain falls, can Jago and Litefoot find their way home?