The book is set primarily in the Yorkshire Dales, specifically, Wharfedale, and concerns the disappearance of a seemingly ordinary Skipton man while out walking. Over the next few days his family become increasingly worried and contact the police. Within two hours of him being officially designated as missing by Skipton police, a British Secret Service officer arrives to tell them that the man is undoubtedly dead and that there is a very dangerous individual hiding somewhere in Wharfedale who must be found. As the story develops, a lonely cottage above the village of Cray, and who may or may not be living there, and their mental state, become central to events, as does the beautiful landlady of a pub nearby. Police investigation is driven in response to events but is hampered by ignorance of backstory and by the limited cooperation of the MI5 officer. As the search for a murderer intensifies, twists and turns within the plot blur morality and question who is really responsible for bringing death to the dale.
