Called to the peaceful wooded churchyard of St-John’s-at-
Hampstead, Detective Chief Inspector Archie Penrose faces
one of the most audacious and unusual murders of his
career. The body of the church’s organist is found in an
opened grave, together with a photograph of a manor house
and a cryptic note. The image leads Archie to Cambridge,
where the crisp autumn air has brought with it bustling
life to the ancient university and town.

Mystery author Josephine Tey and Archie's lover Bridget
Foley have each recently settled in Cambridge, though
both women are not equally happy to see him. One has
concealed an important secret from Archie which now
threatens to come to light. Meanwhile, the change of
seasons has also brought with it a series of vicious
attacks against women in town, spreading fear and
suspicion through the community.

Soon, another body is revealed, and in the shadow of
King’s College Chapel, Archie uncovers a connection
twenty-five years old which haunted both victims―as well
as some of their living companions. As Archie and
Josephine each grapple with savage malefactors intent on
making their victims pay, they must race to stop another
attack in this beautifully written, intricately plotted
mystery.