Preston, 1741. When drunken publican Antony Egan is drowned, coroner Titus Cragg is not surprised. But he does his duty to the letter and the inquest's verdict is accidental death. Meanwhile, with the General Election imminent, the town is agog with rumour and faction: two local seats are to be contested by four rival candidates. Then Cragg's friend, Dr Luke Fidelis, finds evidence casting doubt on the circumstances of Egan's demise. Further suspicions are roused when a prosperous farmer, in town on political business, collapses. Is there a conspiracy afoot? The Mayor and Council have their own way of imposing order. However Cragg, determined not to be swayed by their pressure, and assisted by Fidelis's scientific ingenuity, sets about bringing the true criminals to light ...