The Mapmaker's Daughter - Tapa dura

In the spring of 1592, Thomas Finbow travels to the Berkshire Downs at the behest of Sir Robert Vicary to investigate the suspicious death of a laborer whose body was found in a burned-down barn.

In the year 1592, a series of terrible murders is spreading fear across the remote West Berkshire Downs. It is Thomas the Falconer who discovers the connection: all the dead men once sat on an inquest jury. But who is now targeting the former jurymen? And why is the High Sheriff taking such an interest? There are certainly some odd characters on the Downs this springtime, including a flamboyant travelling showman, whom Thomas befriends; and the arrogant mapmaker Christopher Mead, who is assisted by his beautiful daughter Grace. But after a while, even Grace's behaviour arouses Thomas's suspicions...In this, his fourth mystery, Thomas must match wits with a most cunning and elusive adversary. Only after a desperate struggle on the wild downlands is justice finally done, and peace restored once again...