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.

The inquest into the latest death at Toynton Grange fails to provide satisfactory answers for Adam Dalgliesh. A conversation with Henry Carwardine proves more revealing. If his solution proves right, the detective's own safety could be at risk.