The sudden demise of the former investigator leaves Gralon Tanet as the new baillis. At the request of the bishop, Tanet journeys to an isolated fishing village to investigate the murder of their local notary. The bishop's parting words were not a comfort. "Find the killer or hang in his place."
Upon his arrival, Tanet discovers a second murder occurred on the same day as that of the notary. With only one true but secret ally, Tanet wonders if he can find the truth in time, or will he fail and dance at the end of a hangman's rope?