Cambridge, 1353 - it is a damp, gloomy November day, and the body by the Cam is just the beginning of the intrigue in store for Michaelhouse . . .

Physician Matthew Bartholomew recognises the deceased as the book-bearer of the Michaelhouse Fellow John Runham. The death certainly looks like suicide - Runham's servant was well known for his black moods - but before Bartholomew can reach a definitive conclusion, a second tragic incident occurs. . .

Meanwhile, at Michaelhouse itself, the Master announces his retirement to everyone's surprise - everyone, that is, except the ruthless Runham. Hastily elected, he immediately moves to make his mark upon the college: sacking the choir, building a courtyard the college cannot afford and demanding that Bartholomew choose between his teaching and his medical work. But just as Bartholomew is agonising over such an impossible decision, the new Master is discovered dead. . .