A seemingly peaceful life of gardening and domestic stability is shattered when an anonymous accusation of serial murder forces a police investigation. Patrick Aldermann presents the image of a calm, successful family man, but his past and his current activities draw the scrutiny of the law. Chief Superintendent Dalziel and Inspector Pascoe serve as the primary investigators, representing contrasting approaches to the evidence. The narrative follows the tension between the outward appearance of innocence and the potential for hidden, violent behavior.

Readers frequently highlight the effective contrast between the idyllic setting of a rose garden and the dark nature of the crimes being investigated. Discussion often centers on the interplay between the two detectives, Dalziel and Pascoe, whose differing perspectives drive the narrative forward. Critics note the author's ability to maintain suspense while slowly peeling back the layers of the protagonist's life. The story is often praised for its focus on character psychology rather than relying solely on action sequences. Many readers find the pacing to be well-balanced, allowing for a steady build-up of tension until the final resolution.