A serial killer terrorizes Yorkshire by leaving victims in ditches and taunting the local press with cryptic literary quotations. Superintendent Dalziel and Sergeant Pascoe must navigate a series of murders while contending with the intrusion of unconventional investigative methods. Dalziel, a man of rigid pragmatism, finds his patience tested by the killer's theatricality and his own team's reliance on mediums and psychological profiling. The narrative follows the friction between traditional police work and the modern, often baffling, psychological landscape of the investigation.

Reginald Hill’s work is frequently noted for its sharp characterization and the effective interplay between his two lead detectives. The inclusion of literary references adds a layer of intellectual intrigue that distinguishes this entry from standard police procedurals of the era. Readers often highlight the balance between the grim subject matter and the dry, cynical wit that defines the series. The narrative structure suggests a focus on the clash of personalities as much as the resolution of the mystery itself. This installment is recognized for maintaining the series' reputation for complex plotting and authentic dialogue.