Lord Westfield''s Men, the most successful troupe in London and a prime target for jealousy and resentment, are plagued by a series of practical jokes. But when one of their actors is murdered, the humour turns distinctly sour. Appalling events continue: Lawrence Firethorn, actor-manager, is stalked by a mysterious lady; the sole copy of ''The Malevolent Comedy''- the company''s new play - is stolen, their leading apprentice is abducted and there is an attempt on the life of Lord Westfield, their patron. It''s soon clear that someone more vicious than a practical jokester is trying to destroy the troupe and that Nicholas Bracewell, the resourceful book holder, has an almighty struggle to save his beloved company from certain demise.