Invited to London by the Duke and Duchess of Lancaster, Erik is resigned to working on the Duke's amateur opera, but he is not prepared to face two figures from his past, Dr. Richmond and Celeste Renoit.
Sculptress and murderer, Celeste Renoit, like Erik, was once interned in Dr. Richmond's asylum in Austria. Now with the patronage of London society, she prepares for an exhibition of her work: a series of busts based on Erik's unmasked face.
No less disturbing is the rumor that Dr. Richmond is working on a manuscript of his most interesting cases, including that of the Phantom of the Opera.
But darker deeds may be in store for Erik and his family. For bodies have been found floating in the river, drained of blood, their faces mutilated.