When an intricately composed old map is found within the walls of a bistro in Three Pines, it at first seems absurd. But the more closely the villagers look at the map, the more unusual the find looks. Given to Armand Gamache as a gift in honor of his first day in his new position, the map will ultimately lead him to unravel the chilling mystery. To an old friend and old enemy. This will force the former head of the lethal department of the Surete du Quebec to visit places that even he is afraid of. But duty comes first. There he will find four young cadets of the Surete Academy and a dead professor. And next to the victim’s body is a copy of an old mysterious map. And, no matter where you look, everywhere Gamache sees Amelia Choquet, one of the cadets. In tattoos and piercings. Bold and angry. It makes more sense for Amelia to be on the other side of the police investigation. And yet, she is at the Academy. As a protégé of a murdered professor, the investigation will soon focus on Gamache himself, his strange relationship with Amelia and his possible participation in the crime. A mad race for answers brings investigators back to Three Pines, to a stained glass window that holds its own terrible secrets. For Amelia Choquet and Armand Gamache, the time has come for a big reckoning.