Mary Shelley Mystery

London, 1814: Mary Godwin and her stepsister Jane Clairmont, both sixteen, possess quick minds bolstered by an unconventional upbringing, and have little regard for the rules. Mary, whose mother famously advocated for women's rights, rejects the two paths that seem open to her-that of an assistant in her father's bookshop, or an ordinary wife. Though quieter and more reserved than Jane, Mary's imagination is keen, and she longs for real-world adventures.

1814, London: Foreign diplomats are descending on London in advance of the Congress of Vienna meetings to formulate a new peace plan for Europe following Napoleon's downfall. Mary and Jane's father, political philosopher William Godwin, is hosting a gathering with an advance party of Russian royal staff. The Russians are enthusiastic followers of Mary's late mother, philosopher and women's rights advocate Mary Wollstonecraft, which leads to a lively dinner discussion.

London, June 1814: Mary and Jane are less than charmed by their brother Charles's courtship with a girl from the local cheese shop. When Miss Winnet Davies is not swooning from the heat, she's imploring Charles to buy her a pretty dress. But he hasn't a tuppence—nor have they, as their father, philosopher William Godwin, is facing the prospect of debtor's prison. When a constable arrives at the Godwin home the following day, looking for Charles, Mary and Jane learn that the lifeless body of Miss Davies was found.