15th century Oakham, in Somerset; a tiny village cut off by a big river with no bridge. When a man is swept away by the river an explanation has to be found: accident, suicide or murder? The village priest, John Reve, is privy to many secrets in his role as confessor. But will he be able to unravel what happened to the victim, Thomas Newman, the wealthiest, most capable and industrious man in the village? And what will happen if he can't? Creates a medieval world entirely tangible in its immediacy.