John Ransom is found murdered with suspicious burn marks to his head. The investigation leads to two feuding families – one with the ability of second sight.

Lyra starts her new life in London, determined to find Roger with Mrs Coulter’s help. The Gyptians continue their search for the missing children and the elusive Gobblers.

Orphan Lyra Belacqua’s world is turned upside-down by her long-absent uncle’s return from the north, while the glamorous Mrs Coulter visits Jordan College with a proposition.