When Giam Bellini, rising star of Murano glassmaking, falls in love with Lady Maria Morisini it lights the fuse of an explosive tale of betrayal and intrigue. This encompasses the corrupt sixteenth century world of Venetian politics and the Court of Queen Elizabeth I of England.

A fugitive from Venetian law, after being falsely convicted of treason, Giam changes his name to Jacob Bell and becomes Master of the Crouched Friars Glass-works in London. His partner hopes he will become Glassmaker to Queen Elizabeth, in competition with the Glass-Sellers Association. Sir Richard Urie the leader of the Glass-Sellers has Jacob’s partner assassinated and he vows revenge.

Recruited by Sir William Cecil, Principal Secretary to the Queen, Jacob uncovers the Maldini Plot that aims to assassinate Queen Elizabeth and put Mary Stuart on the throne. A desperate race begins to thwart the Maldini plotters. Jacob strives to rescue Maria from the clutches of his archrival and betrayer Adrian Ragazoni, the Venetian Envoy and Sir Richard Urie, allies of Maldini.