In 15th century Bologna, a young widow who is also a locksmith, Avisa Baglatoni, is accused of murder. Not only has she lost her beloved father-in-law to death, but her apprentice, Bernardo, who she loves like a brother, has gone away. He is making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Her best friend Lucia Perrione is expecting a baby any day. With the threat of arrest and execution hanging over her head, Avisa has never felt so alone in her life.

She takes refuge in a convent, but even there she finds herself involved in a mystery. A traveling troubadour's efforts to elope with a gently born young lady proved not only inappropriate but dangerous. Avisa must find a killer or killers to prove her innocence in KEY CONFRONTATIONS.