Thirteen Torland Place was the scene of five terrible murders in the nineteenth century, and also related to the disappearances of two teenage girls. When a student living in the house is found to be brutally murdered, Detective Inspector Joe Plantagenet is left wondering whether her death has anything to do with the house's grim history. As other similar deaths come to light, Joe fears a ruthless killer may be on the prowl - a killer who deprives each victim of one of their five senses.

Each of the tragic events seem to have a connection to Obediah Shrowton, an executed murderer whose presence still seems to linger in the house. Could he be the source of evil, or is there an even more sinister explanation yet to be unearthed?