A courageous doctor and his apprentice fight to save Londons poorand discover that the hearts of men can be colder than a winter chillin this gripping holiday mystery fromNew York Timesbestselling author Anne Perry.

Scuff has come a long way from his time as a penniless orphan scraping together a living on the banks of the Thames. Now hes studying medicine at a free clinic run by Dr. Crowe, a thoughtful if stoic mentor. But lately Crowe has been distracted, having witnessed an altercation between a wealthy former patient of his named Elliea woman that he not only treated but developed unacknowledged feelings forand her controlling fianc. It seems someone is forcing Ellie to marry the man. When Crowes emotions come flooding back, he sets out to uncover the troubling connection between Ellie, her father, and her betrothed.

With Crowe engrossed in his investigation just weeks before the holidays, Scuff is left to run the clinic on his own, treating Londons poor and vulnerable. In the holiday spirit, he offers Mattie, a young girl in need, a warm place to stay as the winter chill sweeps through the city. Together, Scuff and Mattie must also fend off the police, who are growing suspicious of Crowes amateur sleuthing. Will Crowe be able to help Ellie, and will Scuff be able to ensure that he and Mattieand all of their patientshave a safe and peaceful Christmas?