All is not well in Lamentable Moll. A sinister, diabolical killer stalks the port city's narrow, barrow-humped streets, and panic grips the citizens like a fever. Emancipor Reese is no exception, and indeed, with his legendary ill luck, it's worse for him than for most. Not only was his previous employer the unknown killer's latest victim, but Emancipor is out of work.

But perhaps his luck has finally changed, for two strangers have come to Lamentable Moll ... and they have nailed to the centre post in Fishmonger's Round a note requesting the services of a manservant. This is surely a remarkable opportunity for the hapless Emancipor Reese ... no matter that the note reeks with death-warded magic; no matter that the barrow ghosts themselves howl with fear every night. After all, it's work ... and working is better than not working. Isn't it?