Francis Hancock, the endearing undertaker from the East End of London, and still-traumatized survivor of "the first lot", was caught up in the worst blitz attack to hit the city on the night of December 29, 1940. Hearing of a little girl out in the middle of the attack, he thought a search for her would take his thoughts off the tumult in his mind. He followed her to St Paul's Cathedral where he discovered a despicable plot in progress.

Churchill declared that St Paul's Cathedral, a symbol of all the British people held dear was to be protected at all costs, while Hitler was determined to raze it to the ground with waves of incendiary bombs. Nadel's description of the attack that night highlighted the terrifying ordeal, when much of London was burning with white-hot flames. Her impressive knowledge of the building was able to impart the gripping events taking place on the inside. There is casual racism, sexism, and prostitution, common in the 1940s, but after looking at today's news, it appears to be just as common today.

A cathedral has stood on the site since 604. The current building was the masterpiece of Sir Christopher Wren who rebuilt after the destruction of the Great Fire of London. This is a book worth reading for the events, atmosphere, and social culture of the era, as well as the mystery. ( )