Barnston, North Yorkshire, a quiet coastal town in the North East of England. Newly promoted Detective Inspector Rachel Barnes is thrust into a major enquiry after local businessman, Frank Wellbury, is found dead at his home address. Barnes' partner, Matthew, is the local owner of Forseti's independent bookshop. Joe is a local heroin addict and Richard a loyal customer at Forseti's - all are intrinsically linked to each other and known to Wellbury. Rachel's loyalties to herself, her partner and her profession are tested. Danger is perilously close as hidden truths are unearthed and the investigation gains pace in a race against time to prevent the killer striking again.