A desperate mother fights in vain for the life of her son as he is kicked and beaten to death by a vicious mob. When DS Pete Gayle is called in all he finds is a rumour about the victim that is quickly proved false and a wall of silence more solid than the stones around the city's old prison. Was this just pointless spite that went too far or is there more behind the horrific killing? Pete is forced to battle a mini crimewave designed to keep him in the dark as he seeks justice for an innocent victim and his distraught family.