John Dee arrives in Glastonbury, where according to Giraldus Cambrensis some centuries ago a successful excavation of King Arthur's remains had taken place.

Here he also encounters Michel de Nostredame who discloses to him how the Jesuits intend to replace the Protestant Queen Elizabeth with Mary Stuart.

Jennifer Monahan Winberry considered Rickman's tale enjoyable for connoisseurs of the Arthurian legend but also for aficionados of the Elizabethan era.

[2] Margaret Donsbach wrote the plot progressed "slow-moving at times" but a readership "interested in the Renaissance approach to science and the occult" would appreciate the novel as "an authentic, insightful portrayal of the period".

[3] Amanda Gillies praised Rickman for his diligent research and strongly recommended his novel for readers who relish historical crime stories.

[4] Kirkus Reviews published a similar opinion and judged Rickman had described historical persons "with admirable scholarship and verve".