Twelve-year-old linkboy Philo Grey has spent most of his childhood on the streets of London, watching and listening.
These days, he is paid good money for intelligence about the Jacobites, who are plotting to overthrow King George. But spying is a dangerous business - especially when Philo becomes the target of a rival gang. And then there's Philo's old master,
Garnet Hooke, who's never forgiven Philo for leaving him.
Luckily, Philo can trust his crew of linkboys and his staunch friend Nathaniel Paxton, a surgeon with a background in espionage.
Even flamboyant actress Caroline Cowley. who is teaching Philo the art of disguise and subterfuge, 18 a valuable ally. But when his enemies close in, Philo has to ask humselt: where should his loyalties really lie?