A methodical serial killer terrorizes the city, forcing an unlikely partnership between a pragmatic detective and a brilliant but unconventional psychologist. Detective Inspector Carol Jordan finds herself at a standstill while investigating a string of gruesome murders, leading her to seek the expertise of clinical psychologist Tony Hill. Together, they attempt to construct a psychological profile of the perpetrator, navigating the complex interplay between law enforcement protocols and academic theory. As the killer escalates his activities, the pressure mounts on both investigators to decipher the pattern before another victim is claimed, all while they grapple with their own internal conflicts and the limitations of their respective fields.

This novel is widely recognized as a foundational work in the modern British crime procedural genre, noted for its clinical approach to the psychology of serial offenders. Readers and critics frequently highlight the chemistry between the two leads as a primary driver of the narrative's success. The book is often praised for its ability to maintain suspense without relying on excessive action, instead favoring intellectual rigor and character depth. It remains a staple for those interested in the intersection of forensic science and criminal investigation, setting a high standard for the series that follows.