Frustrated with his career, Commander Dalgliesh is invited to Toynton Grange, a home for the disabled, by his old teacher, Father Baddeley, who is resident there. But unbeknown to Dalgliesh, something happening at the Grange is making the Father uneasy, and Dalgliesh quickly finds himself investigating a series of mysterious deaths.
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.
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.