Clergy life is quiet and peaceful--or so Callic Anson believes when she begins her new job as a curate in Paddington. Knowing that women in the clergy are still disapproved of in certain quarters, Callic is prepared to face some criticism, but the deep-seated hatred shown by some of her male colleagues takes her by surprise, particularly the spiteful attack made by Father Jonah Adimola. Callic's mentor Frances Cherry leaps to her defense, but when Father Adimola is strangled and Frances is suspected of the crime, DI Neville Stewart's investigation begins to reveal secrets hidden behind the ecclesiastical facade.