Magdalene la Batarde knows there is trouble brewing in Oxford, with King Stephen bringing together his great council, and her patron, William of Ypres, immediately summoning her. But she never expected it would involve murder.
As the accusations fly and the debate rages in Oxford, Magdalene teams up with her old friend, Sir Itchen of Bellamy, to clear up the mess that threatens to lead to a political scandal. Fortunately for Magdalene, she still has friends in Oxford, her former coworkers, the whores and barmaids of Oxford, who may be able to bring her news that will help her untangle a murder.