In November of A.D. 667, Fidelma of Cashel--sister to one of the kings of Ireland & a religieuse of the Celtic Church--returns home to her brother's castle to find herself facing a mother's nightmare. Her son's nurse was found dead, brutally murdered, & Fidelma's child, who was with the nurse, is missing--presumed kidnapped or worse. Now Sister Fidelma & her husband, Brother Eadulf, must gather their strength to solve their most personal & baffling...

On her trip home from Rome, Sister Fidelma unexpectedly finds herself in Genoa, where she learns of the imminent death of a former mentor who imparts information about a conspiracy that is triggering murders and a vicious war.

"Winter, 670 AD. King Colgu has invited the leading nobles and chieftains of his kingdom to a feast day. Fidelma and her companion Eadulf are finally home for an extended stay, and have promised their son Alchu that they'll be able to spend some time together after months of being on the road, investigating crimes. Fidelma and Eadulf are enjoying the feast when it is interrupted by the entrance of a religieux, who claims he has an important message...

"Ireland, A.D. 671. It is the beginning of the summer season and the Kingdom of Muman is preparing to celebrate the Great Fair of Cashel. It is an extravagant nine days of contests, food, and endless entertainment. Circumstances have led Fidelma and Eadulf far and wide across the kingdom, and they have been absent from the Great Fair for many years. But, for once they haven't been called away from Cashel, and are eager to enjoy the festivities - that...