When a police officer vanishes in the isolated village of Enscombe, DCI Pascoe and Andy Dalziel must uncover the dark secrets hidden beneath the community's idyllic facade. As the village faces the encroachment of modern market forces, the investigators find themselves navigating a web of long-standing family feuds, suppressed desires, and ancient grievances. The narrative follows the trio of Dalziel, Pascoe, and Wield as they attempt to reconcile the village's traditional customs with a series of escalating, violent crimes. The investigation unfolds over a tense two-day period, culminating in a confrontation during the annual Squire's Reckoning festival.

This novel is widely regarded as a quintessential entry in the long-running Dalziel and Pascoe series, noted for its sharp wit and intricate plotting. Critics often highlight Hill's ability to balance the procedural elements of a police investigation with a deep, often satirical, examination of English village life. The interplay between the three central detectives provides a consistent anchor for the narrative, allowing for both comedic relief and serious character development. Readers frequently praise the author's skill in constructing a sense of place that feels both authentic and menacing as the mystery deepens. The resolution is frequently cited for its dramatic intensity, effectively tying together the various threads of local history and personal vendetta.