Two corpses are discovered in the sacristy of a small provincial church.
Murder? There is no doubt about that.
But what connects the victims—the impoverished drifter Harry Mack and the retired politician Paul Berowne?
A seasoned detective, Adam Dalgliesh, leading the investigation, is convinced that the motive should be sought in Berowne’s immediate circle.
After all, none of the inhabitants of this luxurious house can explain what exactly Sir Paul was doing on a deaf, cold night in an ancient church.
The beautiful widow, her respectable brother, an aristocratic mother, a silent chauffeur—each of them seems to be keeping some kind of secret.
Perhaps one of these secrets is the name of the murderer?