Enquiries following the arrest of a local dignitary for attaking two young boys out birdwatching lead to a further association with DCI Valentine and his team. The start of a chain of events that unleash Blake's childhood demons and an enquiry stretching back decades. Those evil forces now working directly against him putting his entire future at risk.

No stone left unturned. Enemies, both old and new, play their part, even unwittingly. As the story races towards its climax Blake is tested to the limit.