On the eve of their return to Ireland, Fidelma and Brother Eadulf battle through winter storms to see the Yule in with Eadulf's childhood friend, Brother Botulf. But they arrive too late - Botulf is dead. Who killed him and why And why is the ghost of a young woman haunting the abbot

Calamity has struck the community of the Abbey of Imleach. Not only has an elderly brother disappeared but also the holy relics of St Ailbe have vanished. Sister Fidelma, with Saxon Brother Eadulf, are asked to investigate. And it seems there is more to the disappearance than meets the eye.