Although the summer of 1273 is peaceful for most of England, Prioress Eleanor of Tyndal Priory has a whole host of problems to work through. First, her new anchoress Sister Juliana is hosting nightly visits, much to the villagers' horror. Then, the wife of her friend, Crowner Ralf, dies in childbirth, leaving him a widow. Later, Martin the Cooper is poisoned at the local inn, and it's up to Prioress Eleanor to uncover the truth about his murder. To complicate matters further, her feelings for Brother Thomas make her wonder if she is betraying her vows.