An assassin disrupts the Harvest Festival, when his crossbow fells Don Aguilera, the father of Tessa's childhood friend, Ramon. The grief-stricken son swears vengeance, which Tessa more than understands – until she, as the Queen of Swords, discovers that the shooter's target was not Don Aguilera, but Dr. Robert Helm. It seems that the good doctor has his fair share of secrets, too. Intrigued, the Queen tries to protect Helm, and finds herself caught between Montoya and a range war.

The Queen of Swords risks life and limb to liberate two men captured by Montoya. The first, Raul, knows who murdered Tessa's father, and the second, Churi, knows the grief of such a loss. But breaking the two out of prison is just the beginning. Raul, a man motivated by greed alone, learns of Tessa's secret identity and uses it against her, putting Tessa and Marta in the line of Grisham's fire, while Churi's quest to free his father's spirit leads the Queen to looted treasure and a surprising accomplice.