Inspector John Marlott investigates a series of crimes in 19th Century London, which may have been committed by a scientist intent on re-animating the dead.

In 1827 London, a body has washed up on the banks of the Thames. Inspector John Marlott of the River Police discovers that the body is a composite of body parts from several people, sewn together. The Home Secretary tasks Marlott with solving the mystery.—grantss