DCI Adam Dalgliesh is sent to a nursing school to investigate the death of Heather Pearce, a student poisoned during a demonstration. But as he uncovers the secrets that infect the school, can Dalgliesh identify the killer before they strike again?

After the death of another student nurse at Nightingale House, Dalgliesh's hunt for the murderer intensifies. A private patient who died at the on-site hospital might hold the answer, but Dalgliesh's curiosity puts his own life in danger.

Dalgliesh is invited to Dorset by an old friend, only to discover that he has recently died, as has a resident at a mysterious nearby home for the disabled. Though technically off-duty, Dalgliesh wonders if there's a connection between the deaths.

After another suspicious death at Toynton Grange, a vote is held on its future. Convinced that the deaths are linked, Dalgliesh races to identify the murderer before they can escape or kill again. But could he himself be next?

Two bodies are found in a London church with their throats slashed: a homeless man and an aristocratic Tory MP, who had recently resigned after a guest drowned at his wife's birthday party. Dalgliesh is called in to investigate.

Another violent attack at the church seems to rule out Dalgliesh's main suspect. After discovering more home truths about Sir Paul's family, Dalgliesh is forced to draw on his own personal tragedies to disarm the killer.