On Ely Island, the Normans are proclaiming their authority with a magnificent cathedral. Its construction means the Saxon chapel dedicated to St Etheldreda must be destroyed and, to those who revere her memory, this amounts to sacrilege.

When Morcar, fishing for eels, is attacked and left for dead, his cousin Lassair is sent to nurse him. He tells a frightening tale of assassins in the dark and a brief vision of horror. Then the killers strike again . . .

Lassair realizes more is involved than random violence against the eel catchers. The secret hidden within the walls of Ely Abbey claims more victims and, as she comes face to face with the brutality of the past, Lassair is forced to face a challenge that she fears is far beyond her . . .