An extremely squalid affair

The Second Adventure of Beatrice Steele

Having fulfilled her lifelong dream – to solve a murder case – Beatrice Steele feels that everything is finally falling into place. She left behind the conservative community of Swabshire and moved to London, always accompanied by the reliable Miss Bolton. They settled in a wonderful neighbourhood, Sweetbriar, known for the Sweet Majestic Theatre, its picturesque gardens, and a host of flying squirrels. It is also home to the "DS Investigations" office, which she opened with the hot-headed, annoyingly rational Inspector Drake to solve the city's violent and thrilling crimes.
However, nothing goes as she wished. Lord Huxley, a renowned detective and Beatrice's old flame, is still considered London's true investigator, so the only cases left for Beatrice and Drake involve lost pets. Not that Beatrice has much time for solving crimes, as her mother still expects her to find a suitable, i.e., wealthy, husband.
Until a series of murders plunges Beatrice and Drake into a scandal that pits the neighbourhood's wealthiest residents against the artistic community, sowing chaos in the city. As they follow the clues through ballrooms, secret shops, and strange operas, Beatrice must survive the threats against her – before it's too late.