When a series of threatening notes from an anonymous figure known as the Paper Man follows the murder of a young girl, Chief Commander John Coffin finds himself entangled in a high-stakes hunt for two separate killers. Coffin must navigate the complex social and criminal landscape of the Docklands district to identify the perpetrators before the body count rises further. The narrative follows Coffin as he balances the pressure of public scrutiny with the logistical difficulties of investigating multiple, potentially linked homicides. The story utilizes a traditional third-person perspective to track the investigation, emphasizing the procedural steps required to piece together the motives of a taunting antagonist.

This work is recognized as a staple of the John Coffin series, reflecting the author's ability to craft intricate puzzles within a gritty urban environment. The narrative style leans into the conventions of British crime fiction, prioritizing character-driven investigation over sensationalist action. Readers often note the effectiveness of the Paper Man as a catalyst for tension, which forces the protagonist to operate under significant psychological pressure. The book is regarded as a solid entry in the procedural genre, maintaining a consistent tone that aligns with the established expectations of the series.