When the wise woman Magda Digby is suspected of murder, Owen Archer
sets out to prove her innocence in this intricately plotted medieval
mystery.
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 is uneasy about the arrival of two
long-lost kinsfolk. Though they say they are seeking her help, she
senses a hidden agenda.
Magda's troubles deepen when she discovers a body in the river near her
home - and finds herself under suspicion of murder. Days later, fire
rips through a warehouse in the city. Amongst the charred debris lies
the body of a man - not burned, but stabbed in the back. Could there be
a connection to the corpse in the river?
Determined to prove Magda's innocence, Owen sets out to find answers -
but the more he uncovers, the deeper the mystery becomes . . .