Just a few months after Ward solved the Case of Mice and Murder, he is called on once again to investigate mysterious happenings at Inner Temple. As December snows soften the clatter of cobblestones and edges of brickworks, select members of the bar are the unlucky recipients of horrendous gifts.
Owing to its ancient rules, and the fact that Inner Temple is even older than London itself, police authorities need permission to enter the grounds. Gabriel’s superiors decide he is the man for the job and give him the task of investigating the mysterious death of the Lord Chief Justice.