Winter 1372, in York: A man has drowned in the River Ouse during a skirmish with dockworkers and the boys of a minster school. Renowned for solving many crimes, Owen is immediately drawn into the case. But right from the start he realizes that it isn't a simple question of one victim, one suspect. And when a valuable cross goes missing and a woman is badly burnt in mysterious circumstances, the web of deceit widens. Then another body is found in the...

"May, 1375. Owen Archer returns from London to find York in chaos. While the citizens are living in terror of the pestilence which is spreading throughout the land, a new physician has arrived, whipping up fear and suspicion against traditional healers and midwives. With the backing of the new archbishop, he is especially hostile towards Magda Digby, the wise woman who has helped and healed the people of York for many years. At the same time, Magda...