When a series of suspicious deaths are linked to anonymous literary submissions, detectives Dalziel and Pascoe must identify a killer who treats murder as a creative exercise. The protagonists, a seasoned, abrasive superintendent and his more methodical subordinate, face a perpetrator who taunts the police through the media. As the investigation escalates from perceived accidents to undeniable homicide, the duo struggles to decode the logic of an opponent who remains hidden behind a pseudonym. The narrative employs a traditional police procedural framework, alternating between the detectives' internal investigations and the chilling, calculated perspective of the antagonist known as the Wordman.

Reginald Hill is widely regarded for his ability to blend traditional crime tropes with sophisticated literary references and complex character dynamics. Readers and critics consistently highlight the interplay between the two central detectives as the primary anchor of the series. The inclusion of the 'Wordman' antagonist is often noted for adding a layer of meta-fictional tension that elevates the procedural elements. The work is frequently praised for its sharp prose and the author's capacity to maintain high stakes across a long-running series. This installment is recognized as a quintessential example of the author's skill in balancing dark subject matter with a distinct, often cynical, British wit.