When Marie, the wayward young daughter of a prosperous Northumbrian family, falls and injures herself, she is rescued by a mysterious man. As soon as she recovers her mother sends her to live with an aunt in London, and in her charge life is strict. Marie grows to depend on the friendship of her aunt's companion, Sarah, and encouragement from her music tutor. But why, when her tutor suddenly disappears, does she quickly return to Northumberland, and this time into the care of her grandfather? Set at the turn of the 20th Century, The Branded Man is the extraordinary story of two girls and the mysterious man who influences their lives.