On the last train of the day London Paddington to Bristol, a young woman drifts into what appears to be a peaceful sleep - only to be discovered dead on arrival. With no sign of violence and no clue to her identity, the case threatens scandal for the Great Western Railway. Detective Inspector Robert Colbeck and Sergeant Victor Leeming are sent to uncover the truth behind the silent corpse. All witnesses agree on one detail: she travelled with a devoted husband who vanished into the night. As the trail leads through railway stations, theatres and dark deception, Colbeck must expose a killer who hides behind superficial charm.