David Fulmer, author of the acclaimed Storyville series, now brings us to the vibrant city of Philadelphia and the early days of its famous soul music.

Welterweight boxer Eddie Cero is out of the ring with an injury, but he still can't bear to see an unfair fight. In a Philadelphia alley, he steps in on two punks beating up an older man—and the victim, a private detective, buys Eddie a round and offers him a part-time gig. After a few days on the job, Eddie stumbles on a cold case involving the frontman for the Excels, one of Philadelphia's best soul acts. A music lover and big fan of the group, Eddie starts investigating the case out of curiosity, but the missing singer's talented sister draws him deep into a violent, twisted story of betrayal and intrigue, power and ion—all set to the beat of Philadelphia soul.