Off the water that separates England from France, near the seaside town of Deal, the practice of "owling," a local term for the illegal cargo trade, thrives on the moonlit beaches. Blind judge Sir John Fielding and his young protege Jeremy Proctor have been sent to Deal to question the town magistrate, accused of complicity in the smuggling. — But just as their investigation begins, the smugglers turn murderous, dispatching esteemed members of the local gentry. Sir John believes that he and Jeremy are facing some very powerful enemies who not only control Smuggler's Beach, but the law as well