John the Carpenter is content in his new life, but the plague brings up his own personal history as an 8 year left parentless. The discovery of the priest wrapped in a shroud in an empty house precipitates a string of related murders. John is charged with finding the murderer as he has been for some time past. His wife and extended family are concerned, and after John is attacked, he vows to not participate in the search.
Murders and abductions continue to occur,including the Carpenters young mute apprentice being taken. John intervenes to find Alan and once to find the Coroner, whose fury remains unabated.
After deHarville, the Coroner, is attacked and dies, John becomes the target of those few remaining in this group of mercenaries, who have some attachment to the King.
Unlikely allies are a group of lepers who are willing to help him fight the mercenary group, as they knew him as a kind generous person.. One of them, Alison, on her own, came with him on the final battle, and slew the remaining murderer while sacrificing her own life.
The ending was poignant and pointed to happier times as John and Alan had completed a "thank offering" bench commissioned by the Coroner, warmly received by parishioners. Katherine his wife happily tells him a second child will be born to them before long. I hope that indicates a sequel to this fine series.
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