Called to the peaceful wooded churchyard of St-John's-at-Hampstead, Detective Chief Inspector Archie Penrose faces one of the most audacious and unusual murders of his career. The body of the church's organist is found in an opened grave, together with a photograph of a manor house and a cryptic note. The image leads Archie to Cambridge, where the crisp autumn air has brought bustling life to the ancient university and town. Mystery author Josephine Tey is also in Cambridge, where the change of seasons marks a series of vicious attacks against women, spreading fear and suspicion throughout the community. Soon, another body is revealed, and in the shadow of King's College Chapel, Archie uncovers a connection twenty-five years old which haunted both victims--as well as some of their living companions. As Archie and Josephine both grapple with savage malefactors intent on making their victims pay, they must race to stop another attack.