In the autumn of 1592, Dr Simon Forman is invited to the country where the air should do him good after the stink of the city. But this rural retreat harbours deadly secrets. A group of morris dancers is intent on torturing Old Mother Saxton for witchcraft. Meanwhile, a marriage has taken place in the local church but not everyone wishes the newly-weds well, and when one is murdered who is to blame? Is it a band of cut-throats from the outskirts of town, or a spurned lover much closer to home? As one evil deed is followed by another the townsfolk believe they are under a witch s curse. Only Simon can reveal the truth, but will he be able to convince them they are wrong to kill the witch?