England, AD 879. Called away from his own wedding to accompany his brother on an urgent diplomatic mission for King Alfred of Wessex, the young royal official Lord Edwin of Wimborne becomes suspicious of an “accidental” death that occurs during their stay in neighboring Mercia. As Edwin investigates, he uncovers a tangle of deadly ambitions around the Mercian kingship. Back at home, Edwin’s bride Molly becomes embroiled in events that may have far-reaching consequences as well. Can Edwin unravel the true course of events in time to save an innocent man and foil a disastrous political plot bolstered by a band of renegade Vikings? When Molly finds the royal estate of Wimborne prey to neglect, embezzlers and seething local discontent, can she turn the tide and make it safe for King Alfred?

December, AD 879. Newlyweds Lord Edwin and Lady Molgifu are looking forward to their first Christmas at Wimborne in Dorset, where Edwin serves as a royal reeve for King Alfred the Great. But circumstances are against the young couple. The skull of a recently-dead woman is uncovered in a lonely spot by the river. A rich man reports his treasures stolen, and a valuable relic at Wimborne Abbey is spirited away. A musician bringing a message from Edwin’s brother disappears on the road. And if all this isn’t enough to spoil the season, a man is found on Christmas Day in his locked bedchamber run through with a Viking sword. Edwin and Molly join forces to restore peace and order, and salvage a little holiday cheer, in this second book of the Edwin of Wimborne Anglo-Saxon Mystery series.