Ex-police detective Michael McLaren had no intention of delving into another cold case of murder. And certainly had no intention of making his inquiries a new career. But when his fiancée dangles the intriguing aspects of the unsolved murder of local folk musician Kent Harrison before McLaren, he snaps at the bait.

A popular music teacher at Grange Hall Performing Arts College, Kent Harrison had been, perhaps, more popular as a musician--a minstrel in the vein of 16th and 17th century troubadours. Though singing periodically with Dave Morley, a music shop clerk dying to make his name, money, and the big time, Kent usually appeared as a solo act. Especially during the Minstrels Court, an 8-day medieval event at Tutbury Castle. It was at that event that Kent, albeit unknowingly, last appeared and gave his swan song to his fans.

Unknown to McLaren, someone near-and-dear to him is also asking questions, determined to present him with an absorbing case and some motivating details. But the sleuthing goes awry and McLaren's loved one ends up in great danger. Now McLaren must not only solve Kent’s murder but also rescue his near-and-dear one--a hard task when a web of jealousy, anger and lies permeates both cases.