Ireland AD 671. Sister Fidelma has a mission and she is sworn by oath to reveal her purpose to no other. The secret investigation leads Fidelma and her companions to the Abbey of Finnbarr to question the abbot. But before they have a chance to speak to him the abbot is found murdered - and the young girl suspected of the crime has fled the scene. Despite their protests Fidelma's cohorts agree to accompany her in pursuit of the girl for answers. But as vicious rumours spread accusing Fidelma's family of conspiring to assassinate the High King and abduct his wife Sister Fidelma's life is placed in mortal danger.

Part of the The Sister Fidelma Mystery Series series.