High-spirited raven Merlina is not just a favourite at the Tower of London she's also a social media star with a global following. So, when she disappears for no apparent reason during the Covid lockdown it creates international headlines. For legend has it that if the number of Tower ravens ever drops below six the 'kingdom will fall'.

The capital's bird community is buzzing with rumours about Merlina's whereabouts. Has she been kidnapped, and will a ransom demand follow? But when she fails to return after several weeks, the Tower authorities announce their beloved 'queen' raven is missing presumed dead. But the truth is complex, involving issues around loyalty and self-determination, freedom and confinement.

The journalists, despite their initial excitement, have given up on the story. Now it's up to the parakeets, the pigeons and, crucially, Merlina's raven friends to solve the mystery?