In 19th-century Dundee, even the dead aren’t safe.
The rise in body snatching means resting in peace is now a thing of the past. Even the volunteer watchmen, or Charlies as the locals unkindly call them, can do little to curb the spate in grave robbings. An outbreak of random arsenic poisonings only adds to the growing feeling of unease in the city.
Meanwhile, Dr Paul McKeany has hopes of becoming Dundee’s answer to the famous anatomist John Knox. Maybe then his beautiful wife Charlotte will see him in a more fanciable light. First, though, he needs to locate some fresh corpses to dissect…
Petty criminal Geordie Mill is being blackmailed by his big-bosomed love interest Rosie Trayling. He needs cash and is prepared to do anything to get his grubby hands on some. After a chance meeting with the bad doctor in an alehouse, the pair strike a deal based on the simple principle of supply and demand.
At first, the arrangement suits both their needs. But, as with any partnership made in hell, things soon backfire - with catastrophic consequences for all involved…