In Alanda, there has been a rash of murders in which female street musicians are viciously killed, followed by the culprits committing suicide. The murder weapon is a three sided stiletto (used mostly by Church dignitaries) which seems to mysteriously disappear from the spot of the crime.

The murders seems to occur only when it rains so that traces of magic can be washed away before the police can begin their investigation.

Because the murderers kill themselves and the victims are lower class, the police are indifferent to the crimes except for Haldene constable Tal Rufen, who thinks there is more to the killings then meets the eye. Tal resigns in order to join the High BishopÆs staff where he can begin to investigate the murderous use of magic.

The fourth book in Mercedes LackeyÆs ôBardic Voicesö is a well written fantasy novel that will thrill fans of the series for its tremendous amount of detailed information on Alanda. However, for most other readers, including other fantasy fans, the minute detail overwhelms a well written novel.