August 1914: Michael Clifton is mapping the land he has just purchased in California's beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, certain that oil lies beneath its surface. But as the young cartographer prepares to return home to Boston, war is declared in Europe and Michael puts duty first and sails for his father's native country to serve in the British army. Three years later, he is listed among the missing. April 1932: London psychologist and investigator Maisie Dobbs is retained by Michael's parents, who have recently learned that Michael's remains have been unearthed in France. They want Maisie to find the unnamed nurse whose love letters were among their son's belongings. Maisie's inquiries, and the stunning discovery that Michael Clifton was murdered in his trench, unleash a web of intrigue and violence that threatens to engulf the soldier's family - and Maisie. And over the course of her investigation Maisie must cope with the approaching loss of her mentor, Maurice Blanche, and her growing awareness that she herself is falling in love.