When a police officer vanishes in the seemingly idyllic village of Enscombe, detectives Dalziel and Pascoe must uncover the dark secrets hidden beneath the community's picturesque facade. The investigation forces the two contrasting detectives to navigate a web of local tensions, including resistance to tourism and development, while dealing with their own internal dynamics. As the search for the missing officer intensifies, the narrative shifts from a routine inquiry into a complex exploration of long-standing family feuds and buried grievances. The story unfolds over a tight, two-day timeframe, building toward a violent confrontation at the traditional Squire's Reckoning festival.

This novel is widely regarded as a high point in the long-running Dalziel and Pascoe series, praised for its sharp wit and intricate plotting. Readers often highlight the author's ability to balance dark, suspenseful themes with the dry, ironic humor that defines the central detective duo. The village setting serves as more than a backdrop, acting as a catalyst for the complex human dramas that the detectives must untangle. The eventual climax is frequently cited as a masterclass in tension, effectively tying together the various threads of local history and personal vendettas. The work stands as a testament to the author's skill in evolving his characters while maintaining the procedural integrity of the mystery genre.