Erik and Ann Shepherd's marriage is, at best, uneasy - haunted by memories they would both rather forget. Donald Culley's arrival in Aghios Nikolaos stirs up more than even he realises.

"I know what you're thinking. Why all this fuss over a box of groceries? But it's more than that. It's important. You see, it's a touch of home."

Major and Mrs Edward Woolley live a perfectly ordered existence on Crete. But when the calm routine is broken, their life explodes into a violent reaction.

Nester Turton's life in Aghios Nikolaos comprises drinking and whoring, which he does in equal measure when funds permit. But when Nestor's past catches up with him the results are hilarious. For Nestor, it seems, has been dead for years …

The story of Erik and Ann Shepherd continues. Will they return to Aghios Nikolaos and face up to the web of intrigue and mystery in which they find themselves so deeply involved?

Before they do, fate has one more trick in store for Erik.

"You see the terrible thing about all this business is that you can no longer trust anyone," says Captain Krasakis. Erik realises how true this is when Ann regains her memory, and the Shepherds learn that even the dead can still spring a surprise.

"When two people whisper together in a corner they're usually digging a well for a third one to fall into," Erik Shepherd tells Sam Webber.

As the masks come off Erik forms an unusual alliance.