The Agony Column

In the sweltering summer of 1914, an American expatriate named Geoffrey West finds himself wandering the bustling streets of London, seeking refuge in the familiar comforts of strawberry‑laden breakfasts and the lively pages of the Daily Mail’s Agony Column. The column, a mix of heartfelt pleas, witty banter, and occasional oddities, captures his imagination as he sifts through declarations of love, humorous grievances, and mysterious verses posted by strangers. West’s fondness for both romance and puzzle‑solving draws him deeper into the eccentric world of these public ads.

When a peculiar message—written in a cryptic voice and hinting at danger—appears among the usual fare, West’s curiosity turns into a reluctant investigation. The seemingly innocuous notices begin to suggest a hidden connection that could threaten more than just reputation, pulling the amateur sleuth into a tangled web of intrigue that mirrors the tension building across Europe. Listeners will follow West as he balances his love of the column with the growing need to uncover what lies beneath its surface.