Oxford, 1883. Young men are being found bound, gagged and hooded at the gates of their colleges in the small hours. Basil Rice, Jesus College fellow, is asked by the senior proctor to investigate.

But matters of sexual purity are dangerous, as it lays Basil open to unwelcome scrutiny of his own private life. Meanwhile, the University Vice Chancellor’s Court has wrongly imprisoned a young shopgirl from the town, and she seeks the services of young academic and budding journalist, Non Vaughan, to clear her name. The uncovering by Basil of a secret society, The Venatores, and the murder of a student, cause Non and Basil to join forces.

But is justice possible in a world so unjust and dangerous?