A murder among an eccentric group of doll makers causes a panic when it appears the dolls themselves may be guilty; Felix's fiancee from Bermuda is confused by his new life.
It's Christmas and Britain is in the grips of the worst winter on record. When a precious jewel is stolen from a snowbound train, Sister Boniface and company uncover murder, ancient curses, and dark family secrets.
Convinced that events catastrophic to the Cold War are being planned at the British Open Chess Championships, Sister Boniface must brush up her chess skills and join the tournament.