A reckless move in a drugs raid turns into a dice game for Scotland Yard's Adam Dalgliesh.

The violent death at Toynton Grange stuns the community and has alarming consequences for Maggie Hewson. Adam Dalgliesh arrives at the nursing home to visit his old friend Father Baddelely and learns some shocking news.

Adam Dalgliesh continues his discreet enquiries into the tragic events at Toynton Grange and discovers skeletons in the cupboards of Wilfred Anstey and his sister Millicent.