Its 1321 & Lady Elizabeth of Topsham prioress of St Marys is fighting to retain her position in the face of an accusation from Sister Margherita the treasurer that she has given much-needed funds to the new vicar a man she often sees alone
- at night. Many of the nuns are convinced that Margherita would make a better prioress
- especially now a young nun has been found murdered on her sickbed. Sir Baldwin Furnshill Keeper of the Kings Peace & his old friend Bailiff Simon Puttock are summoned to investigate & when a second nun is murdered they find themselves facing their most difficult case yet.