March 1483, and Spain is preparing for yet more war. Surgeon Thomas Berrington makes a reluctant journey to Qurtuba at the request of his master. He expects only to operate on a Spanish prince and return home to Moorish al-Andalus. But fate has something else in store for him and his companion, the eunuch Jorge. A warped killer has been murdering young women and creating twisted creatures from their bodies. When Thomas is tasked by Queen Isabel to hunt down the culprit he is propelled into an unfamiliar world of religious mania where it is impossible to tell who can be trusted. Meanwhile Jorge is on a quest of his own-to track down the family he hasn't seen in almost twenty years. When Jorge's new found niece is chosen as the Bonebreaker's next victim the pair are faced with their most dangerous challenge yet. Will they be able to expose the killer in time, or is there yet another life to pay for one man's madness? Sometimes only sacrifice can save those you love.