The West Country story continues. A murderous attack on one of the four principle characters, and the blackmail of another, alter all their lives, change relationships and test love to breaking point. Sally Redfern's affair threatens to wreck more than one life and Greta fights internal battles over her religion and her personal desires, winning one, but not the other.

Meanwhile Christopher Downe, is forced to face his own temptations and DCI Cardler's marriage fails as he struggles to solve two murder cases with help, and hinderance, from his awkward friends in the spiteful village.