Deborah St. James is saddened to learn of the unexpected death of Reverend Sage. Their paths crossed very briefly a few months ago, and this village priest managed to support her in difficult times. As it turns out, some of the circumstances surrounding his death raise suspicions that Sage was murdered. The St. James couple, dissatisfied with the investigation into this case, call on their old friend Inspector Lynley for help, and together they begin to unravel the tangle of relationships, which is based on the all-consuming and all-destructive power of parental love.