1326. As the threat of war hangs over England Sir Baldwin & Bailiff Puttock must work desperately to prevent murder in Michael Jecks latest thrilling mystery in this hugely popular series. In France King Edward IIs estranged wife Queen Isabella shames him by refusing to return to England & humiliates him further by flaunting her adulterous relationship with the kings sworn enemy traitor Sir Roger Mortimer. When the king hears she has betrothed their son to the daughter of the Count of Hainault all England fears an invasion of Hainault mercenaries. Meanwhile the Treasurer of Englands life is threatened. He has made many enemies in a long political life & Sir Baldwin & Simon must do all they can to find the would-be assassin before he can strike...