"Spring, 1523. Henry VIII readies England for war with France. The Kings chief minister, Cardinal Wolsey, prepares to open Parliament at Blackfriars. The eyes of the country turn towards London. But all is not well in Wolseys household. A visiting critic of the Cardinal is found brutally slain whilst awaiting an audience at Richmond Palace. He will not be the last to die. Anthony Blanke, trumpeter and groom, is once again called upon to unmask a murderer.

Joining forces with Sir Thomas More, he is forced to confront the unpopularity of his masters rule. As the bodies of the Cardinals enemies mount up around him, Anthony finds himself under suspicion. Journeying through the opulence of Mores home, the magnificence of Wolseys York Place, and the dank dungeons of Londons gaols, he must discover whether the murderer of the Cardinals critics is friend or foe. With time running out before Parliament sits, Anthony must clear his name and catch the killer before the Kings justice falls blindly upon him."--Publisher.