From the outside, the Welsh village of Y Groes looks idyllic. When his wife inherits an old cottage there, Giles Freeman eagerly grabs the chance for permanent escape from London.
But there is a menacing magic at work in the apparently peaceful valley. Ancient sectrets lie buried; the corpse-candle remains alight; and the Bird of Death beats its wings at the window. Too late Giles discovers the powers of darkness gathering around him . . .
Only his American friend Berry Morelli senses the terrible threat. Through his love for the village schoolteacher Bethan, he is drawn into climatic struggle with monstrous forces of Celtic legend.