Fidelma investigates in Northern Italy. She originally intended to visit her old teacher from childhood at the Abbey of Bobium near Genoa. The journey there is already dangerous, as there are significant tensions in the area between followers of different Christian denominations. Fidelma's old teacher publicly preached his views and was beaten for it. She barely manages to speak with him before he dies. Fear reigns in the abbey, and rumors of a legendary treasure are circulating. Fidelma is repeatedly advised to leave as quickly as possible. In a foreign country and without knowledge of the language, she manages to uncover a dark secret. "The best thing about this book is Sister Fidelma - a clever, emancipated, brave woman who argues her opponents into the ground.".