It is March 1570. England is reeling from the Northern Rebellion, when Lords rose up and tried to marry Mary Queen of Scots to the Duke of Norfolk and put her on the English throne.

A body is found in what appears to be a ritualistic killing. In his dwelling a message has been daubed on the wall with his blood –
First terror then death.

As John Dee and Margaretta delve further into a plot on Elizabeth’s life, more victims fall. A pattern emerges. Through a spiral of poisons and hidden messages, can they uncover the real killer, and be sure there is only one.