February 1355. Oxford explodes in one of the most serious riots of its turbulent history. Fearing for their lives, the scholars flee the city, and some choose the University at Cambridge as their refuge. They dont remain safe for long, however; within hours of their arrival, the first of them dies, followed quickly by a second. When Bartholomew and Brother Michael investigate the deaths, they uncover evidence that the Oxford riot was part of a carefully orchestrated plot. With the Archbishop of Canterbury about to honor Cambridge with a visitation, and a close colleague accused of a series of murders Bartholomew is certain he didnt commit, the race is on to bring a ruthless killer to justice.