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.