Mismatched duo DI Lynley and DS Havers investigate a suspicious passing on Salcott Island and the mystery surrounding a priceless piece of art which leads which leads them to not one, but two crimes.

Lynley and Havers are assigned to investigate the disappearance of a young estate agent with connections to Lynley's former classmate, Helen Clyde.

Lynley happens upon the body of a popular young man in the Norfolk Broads and must navigate the secrets of a close-knit community to find the hugger.

Havers and Lynley hunt a possible serial hugger with ties to Church but are confronted with the possibility of corruption from within the precinct.