Since Lynley's arrest and suspension for threatening a suspect, Havers has been without a partner. She begins a new case in Kent alongside the heavily pregnant, no-nonsense Detective Inspector Fiona Knight. Together, they investigate the murder of Edie Covington, whose body has been discovered in a local lake.

Back in London, Lynley attends a disciplinary hearing to determine whether he can return to work. Following the hearing, Lynley begins to help Havers and Knight with their investigation. But, as the case unfolds with the discovery of another body and a kidnapping, will Lynley's unofficial involvement jeopardize his efforts to be reinstated?