One of Phryne Fisher's most interesting cases begins on a beautiful summer day in 1928. A ghost from the past appears on the threshold. More precisely, Phryne's former lover. His name is Alan Lee, he is a circus performer, and he really needs help. Something strange and terrible is happening in his successful troupe: first they poisoned the animals, then they almost caused an accident during the performance. And now one of the members of the troupe, Mr. Christopher, was found stabbed to death in his room at a local boarding house. What’s even worse, an innocent former circus performer is suspected of murder... What is this - the machinations of competitors? Bloody deeds of a madman? Cold calculation of a criminal? To figure it out, Phryne will not only have to conduct a dangerous investigation, but also try on the role of a “circus princess”...