During the dissolution of the monasteries in the Tudor era, Matthew Shardlake is sent by Thomas Cromwell to investigate the death of a commissioner in a remote town of Scarnsea.
Shardlake's investigation intensifies and suspicion arises among the monks.
When Goodhap is discovered missing, something does not add up.
Cromwell is furious at Shardlake's lack of results and gives him a terrifying ultimatum.