When a series of suspicious deaths are linked to cryptic short stories submitted to a local newspaper, detectives Dalziel and Pascoe must identify a killer who treats murder as a literary game. The protagonists, a seasoned, abrasive superintendent and his more methodical subordinate, face an elusive antagonist known as the Wordman who challenges their investigative skills through a series of taunting, rule-breaking communications. As the body count rises, the detectives are forced to navigate a complex web of clues that blur the line between fiction and reality. The narrative utilizes a third-person perspective to track both the police investigation and the chilling, calculated maneuvers of the perpetrator.

This entry in the long-running series is characterized by its intricate plotting and the sharp, witty banter that defines the relationship between the two lead detectives. The narrative structure suggests a focus on intellectual tension, where the mystery is as much about deciphering the killer's motives as it is about tracking their physical movements. Readers likely appreciate the balance between the grim nature of the crimes and the dry, cynical humor that permeates the dialogue. The premise points to a sophisticated procedural that challenges the protagonists to think outside their usual investigative frameworks to outsmart a literate and dangerous opponent.