A blood-curdling murder in the minster grounds proves to be a difficult case for Owen Archer when a young witness goes missing.

York, 1365. The Corpus Christi Day pageant is winding down when Owen Archer is summoned to see John Thoresby, Archbishop of York. Wool merchant Will Crounce has been violently murdered - his throat slit and his right hand cut off. Terrified eight-year-old, Jasper de Melton, saw it all - including the woman in a hooded cloak who led Crounce to his death.

A MYSTERIOUS WOMAN. A GRUESOME WARNING.

The archbishop wants Owen to speak to Gilbert Ridley, a fellow mercer who was seen arguing with Will the night he died. But when Ridley dines with the archbishop in recognition of his generous gift to the minster's Lady Chapel, a terrible event follows.

YOU CAN RUN, BUT YOU CAN'T HIDE . . .

Where are the mysterious woman and young Jasper? As Owen attempts to unlock the mystery, he uncovers a deadly conspiracy that leads to the upper echelons of power.