An astrological phenomenon heralds the dawn of a new age & Queen Elizabeth's throne is in peril. As Mary Stuart's supporters scheme to usurp the rightful monarch, a young maid of honour is murdered, occult symbols carved into her flesh. The Queen's spymaster, Francis Walsingham, calls on maverick agent Giordano Bruno to infiltrate the plotters & secure the evidence that will condemn them to death. Bruno is cunning, but so are his enemies. His identity could be exposed at an moment. the proof he seeks within his grasp. But the young woman's murder could point to an even more sinister truth...