This is a "Thomas the Falconer" Mystery. 1596: Sir Robert Vicary is bullied by the Queen's Council into hosting an important guest, Grigori Stanic, the ambassador of distant Muscovy (Russia). His Excellency being a hawking man, Thomas the Falconer is called on to entertain the Russian party. The ambassador is to take home a magnificent gift for Boris Godunov, brother-in-law to the feeble Tsar Feodor, and the man who controls Russia and its valuable trade: a gold chain with a priceless, jewelled pendant. But no sooner has it arrived at Petbury, than it is stolen. So begins the hunt for the Muscovy Chain, which leads to death for some and glory for none. For Thomas it becomes a tortuous journey, forcing him to confront the strangest and most cruel adversary he has ever faced...