Summer AD 670. An Irish merchant ship is attacked by a pirate vessel off the coast of Bro Waroch. Murchad the captain and one of his passengers a prince named Bressel are killed in cold blood. Among the other passengers who manage to escape are Sister Fidelma and her companion Brother Eadulf. Fidelma is determined to bring the killers to justice but the task is not going to be easy. Her only clue is that the attacking vessel was carrying on its sails the symbol of a dove. This quest will lead her to the brooding fortress of Enez Lovr the domain of the Lord of Brilhag where she will confront Koulm Maro - The Dove of Death.

Part of the The Sister Fidelma Mystery Series series.