One night, everyone is awakened by a fire in a traveling fair on the edge of the village. The next morning, a young man’s skeleton is discovered in the ashes of his caravan. Sent to lead the inquiry into his death is Nathan Bertillon, recently promoted to Lieutenant—a frail and dreamy young man who is the target of more or less blatant ridicule among his colleagues at the police station.

Was the fire an accident? Bertillon is not convinced. But to get to the truth, he must display both perseverance and courage; and, as he delves into the dark history of the fair, he begins to uncover the painful secrets of those who live on the margins of society. Secrets that threaten to rouse the ancient beast that has always ruled their world—a creature whose name can only be whispered: Amotken.