December 1194. The well-born ladies of Exeter are not having a good week. First Christina Rifford the daughter of a rich merchant is raped. Then just months before her marriage Lady Adele de Courcy is found dead in one of the poorest areas of the city. The common factor is Godfrey Fitzosbern the local silversmith. But despite Crowner Johns suspicions & the vengeful accusations of the families it is Johns duty to protect Godfrey until he can find definite proof of his guilt. Aided by his mistress Nesta hindered by his social-climbing wife Matilda & her power-hungry brother Sheriff Richard de Revelle John slowly begins to put the pieces together. But a final brutal act of violence will bring a new twist to the investigation.. .