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.

Recriminations begin at Toynton Grange nursing home after the fire in the Black Tower. Maggie Hewson faces awkward questions about her visit to her solicitor. Ursula Hollis has an unnerving encounter as tragedy returns to the troubled community.

Another untimely death and a meeting to discuss the future of Toynton Grange heighten tension. Julius Court discovers that Dalgliesh has uncovered his past. The detective makes a grisly discovery after revealing interviews ith Eric Hewson and Helen Rainer.