Professor Brendan Keane and Joanna "Jo" Lawrence have returned once more to Devon after several weeks abroad. Though yet another winter had pulled away from the English shores, mystery and suspense do not follow their retreat. As a young boy is found asleep in Keane's study, Lawrence is thrown headfirst into a maze of dangerous characters and desperate situations. She finds she must stagger forward alone, as her companion has abandoned her to her own devices. Keane's absence; however, is anything but intentional. After all, who would willingly be tried for treason?