The stepdaughter of horror film director Nathan Clore contacts Jonathan to help her find the answer to the mysterious deaths of her mother and two sisters years earlier. Her stepfather was going to reveal the secret to her, but suffered a stroke and is unable to communicate. She believes the answer lies within Daemons' Roost, her stepfather's mansion, formerly owned by notorious 19th century sorcerer Jacob Surtees. As Jonathan and Polly investigate, the sorcerer apparently returns from the grave and kills the woman's husband. With help from the local vicar, together they uncover a tale of murderous revenge. Meanwhile Jonathan is stalked by an adversary from a previous case who also has revenge on his mind.