it is August 1642 and Jayne Swift is a doctor. She is out on the streets trying to get to her cousins house to tend to her son who is ill but the her pathway is difficult as there are many people trying to watch an execution of catholic priests. Whilst waiting for the crowds to disperse she meets William Harrier, the footman of Lady Alice Strickland. Civil war is raging through the country at this time and Jayne's medicinal knowledge is in demand. The author has brought out not only the history of the civil war and it's development but also added a sprinkling of backstabbing, conspiracy theories, the lives of the rich against the poor and the effects that any war has. In fact there is so much intrigue in this novel that it keeps you gripped , wanting to know more. I couldn't put the book down and read into the wee small hours. A great story with lots in store for the readers