William Shakespeare is moving up in the world, his name respected both at court and the theatre. Accepted by Queen Elizabeth, he is trusted to write plays for her, so long as she likes them... When one of the queen's ladies-in-waiting is found dead, almost everyone suspects murder.

But who stood to gain? And are the rumours that she was with child true? Sir Robert Cecil, Elizabeth's spymaster, senses an opportunity to finally rid himself of his bitter rival, the Earl of Essex, who was seen with the girl before she died, and tasks Will to uncover the truth. But Shakespeare knows that the Earl of Southampton, his patron, is allied to the Earl of Essex. Will is caught between powerful foes.

But this time, he must choose a side if he is to survive. The Bard turns sleuth once more in this fascinating second instalment in the investigations of William Shakespeare.