After a young girl is murdered in the woods, DCI Callum West faces the monumental task of identifying the killer from a host of colourful characters in the village of Cragsbury, a task that becomes ever more urgent as bodies begin to mount.

Who is the killer? Ambitious young excitement-seeking rookie postman John Barlow, who has a habit of opening people's mail? Local gossip collector Tom Brookes? Teacher Phillip Jenkins, who has an attraction to his female pupils? Accountant Dennis Smith, who hides an age-old secret? Successful builder David Smith, who hides a secret of his own? High-flying local Member of Parliament Steven Butterfield, who knows a scandal could ruin his career? Pub landlord Bill Carter or his chef Jon Geddes, who both know a lot of dodgy geezers? Car dealer and wide boy Tom Benson? Clothes shop owner Robert Jackson, who hides a secret affair? Or perhaps Bill Francis, a figure shrouded in mystery?

The clues are there, but there are a few red herrings too. The solution will test the cognitive powers of the most avid problem solvers.