The untimely death of Claire Falchion's husband leaves her feeling numb, as if a phase has ended but not as if any great change has occurred. Her friend Leonora says that Claire cannot complain; she's had everything for as long as she could expect - a career as a novelist, a husband and a child. But there is nothing within Claire except an emptiness.

She retreats to a dilapidated old schoolhouse in the tranquil village of Sunderne. But her peace is threatened by the quiet presence of her neighbour, Jonathan Kenton, with whom an acquaintance is growing, despite Claire's attempts to resist it. And the house itself seems to be unleashing strange ideas that Claire cannot explain, almost like having second sight. Even Claire's pen seems to be writing of its own accord - memories of a witch hunt in Sunderne appear on the page and the terrible scenes come alive in the countryside around her: scenes of a trial, of superstitions, of lies and pain, that end with a cruel burning.