London. 1893. Seeking refuge after the death of her abusive husband, Cora Seaborne departs for respite and freedom in coastal Essex. Once there she hears rumors that after nearly 300 years the mythical Essex Serpent, a fearsome creature that once roamed the marshes, has returned. Eager to investigate, Cora is introduced to parish vicar William Ransome. As they attempt to discover the truth, those seeming opposites are inexorably drawn together - as their pursuit becomes more urgent, Cora’s London past follows her to the coast, with striking consequences.
