"A briskly paced debut rich in spiky characters, eccentric accents, and, above all, a charismatic hero with a sense of honor and a sense of humor." —Kirkus Reviews

In 1592, Sir Robert Carey comes to Carlisle to take up his new post as Deputy Warden of the West March. He has wangled his appointment to be nearer his true love (a married woman) and farther from the gimlet eyes of his creditors and the disapproving eye of his father (the Queen's cousin—possibly her halfbrother). And of course, he can use the money.

Sir Robert won't see a profit from the perks if he fails to keep the peace. Alas, he is quickly challenged by the murder of a lad, the possible betrayal of a disappointed rival, the ire of the lady's husband, and the question regarding the hundreds of horses being stolen from all over the neighborhood. It's hard to say whether the greater danger lies without the city walls amidst the scheming Scots or within them amidst the unruly English garrison.