The prolific author of A Knight in Spain presents a gripping work of historical fiction set during the Great Plague of London.

In a remote Derbyshire village, over three hundred years ago, a man tried to serve his God to the best of his belief . . . but at a terrible cost to himself and others.

William Mompesson is the new rector of Eyam. He is young, handsome, and has a lovely family. Life is too easy in the countryside, as his wife and children enjoy his generous income and the apathetic locals do not require much spiritual guidance.

Mompesson's greatest daily challenge is for the souls of his parishoners, as paganism and the famous dissenter Thomas Stanley vie for the attention of the people. But he soon faces a great test as the Plague comes to town, possibly in the crate with his sister-in-law's wedding dress from London. As his parishioners die one after another, Mompesson is witness to unbelievable horrors that test his faith in God—and inspirational acts of heroism and sacrifice.

"A quieter, more reflective novel, as much about a man's inner struggles as it is about the history surrounding him . . . A fascinating story." —She Reads Novels