Commander Dalgliesh is called to Norfolk to look into a murder, which he believes has no connection with the case that he is currently working on. But then one of the forensic scientists at Hoggatt's laboratory, who are experts in violent death, is found murdered.

Commander Dalgliesh is called to Norfolk to look into a murder, which he believes has no connection with the case that he is currently working on. But then one of the forensic scientists at Hoggatt's laboratory, who are experts in violent death, is found murdered.