Fifteen-year-old Tom helps his father run a print shop in London.

When he and old Dr Harker hear of a curious murder in the City, with the victim pierced by an arrow and holding a card of "Death and the Arrow", they are intrigued. And as more victims are discovered, the mystery closes more tightly.

London, 1715. The air is black with soot. The murky alleyways of the City are crowded with people from all walks of life.

In the shadow of St Paul's Cathedral, there are rumours of a gruesome murder. - The victim - was 'beskewered by an arrow right through his heart,' a NEWSPAPER-HAWKER cries.

Even in a city where crime is commonplace, this catches the attention of young Tom Marlowe as he passes by on an errand.

News of further victims is soon heard, each said to have been pierced by an ARROW and left holding an odd illustrated card.

Tom is fascinated and repelled by the strange events.

When the mystery UNEXPECTEDLY intrudes into his own life, he feels compelled to investigate...