Roger the Chapman is becoming renowned for his instinct to root out the truth from a veritable warren of lies. But fame brings misfortune when in the autumn of 1473 Roger is entrusted with a mission on behalf of Richard, Duke of Gloucester. He is to convey the Royal Messenger, Philip Underdown, safely aboard a ship bound for Brittany and Duke Francis.
When Underdown is cudgelled to death en route, with Roger's "Plymouth Cloak" the undoubted murder weapon, the finger of suspicion points straight to the young pedlar.
Underdown might have been killed by a Lancastrian, or a Woodville agent. Or by a jealous husband, or an old friend bearing a bitter grudge. It is up to Roger the Chapman to find out - if only to save his own neck . . .
