1595. When Spanish troops attack the Cornish coast in a daring raid, the Queen is speechless with rage. Is another Armada on the way? Is it revenge for the sacking of Spanish shipping? Or is there a more sinister motive?

As John Shakespeare desperately searches for answers, England's secret defences begin to crumble as, one by one, his network of spies is horribly murdered. But what has all this to do with Thomasyn Jade, driven to the edge of madness by the foul rituals of exorcism? And what is the link to a group of priests held prisoner in the bleak confines of Wisbech Castle?