DI Matt Barnes has recovered from serious injuries sustained in the line of duty. He is now in a relationship with Dr Beth Holder, a criminal psychologist who consulted on a case involving a homicidal sociopath.

Now, the thirteen year old daughter of Detective Superintendent Ray Preston has been abducted, and Matt and Beth once more pool resources in an attempt track down the unknown suspect, who they believe holds a grudge against Ray Preston, and has specifically targeted his daughter to get back at him.

The perpetrator has an agenda: a need to avenge a perceived travesty of justice. His lethal intent is to both psychologically and then physically destroy all those that he considers guilty for his own loss and subsequent sense of wretchedness.

Matt, his team on the Special Crimes Unit, and Beth are looking for someone that has covered his tracks and can adapt to stay ahead in what he considers to be the ultimate game. He is the police's worst nightmare; an opponent who does not conform to any pattern, and who, when cornered, will turn on his pursuers, not run from them.

As the body count rises, Matt and Beth stalk the faceless killer, only to find that they themselves are being hunted by him.