After a plot to assassinate the Czar of Russia is foiled by government agents, Inspector Thomas Chard is ordered to apprehend an assassin, thought to be under the protection of a gang of anarchists somewhere in south Wales. Recently stationed back in Pontypridd, Chard's focus is on restoring his reputation after being falsely accused of murder. But events soon overtake this aim, and his efforts to find the assailant are frustrated by a series of apparently random murders. As the anarchists plot to promote unrest, the body count begins to grow. Soon a local politician is amongst the dead. Tensions rise as the radicals fight amongst themselves. Still the killer's true objective remains a mystery… one that Chard must solve, and quickly. "Part-Ripper Street, part-Alexander Cordell… Leslie Scase fuses the smoke and sweat of the foundry with Pontypridd's shadowy, gas-lit streets." – Liz Jones "I think I may have a new favourite author and his name is Leslie Scase." – Grumpy Old Books blog