A dying man with a scheme. A charming smuggler one step ahead of the law. A former foundling with a mangled hand. A family of kingmakers. A printing tycoon. A constable on the trail of justice. An idealistic solicitor with secrets of his own. And the genius at the center of it all, Quincy St. Claire.

On New Year's Eve, Quincy St. Claire's well-ordered world is set askew. Her Uncle Ezekiel tells her that, upon his demise, she must fulfill a list of requirements in order to inherit his publication, The Q. But Quincy is not to be told what those requirements are, and the only person in possession of that knowledge is her silent, disapproving solicitor, James Arch.

All of Rhysdon is intrigued by Quincy's genius and her adeptness at turning a profit through her fierce focus on business, excluding all else. Surrounded by a unique cadre of individuals who find their way to the offices of The Q, Quincy is determined to win her Uncle's absurd game, and keep the only thing she has ever cared about.