When Detective Superintendent Andy Dalziel witnesses a murder from his own garden, he finds himself entangled in a case where his own perception is challenged by his partner, Peter Pascoe. Dalziel is convinced of the culprit's identity based on his eyewitness account, but Pascoe suspects a deeper, more complex reality. Simultaneously, Dalziel must navigate the psychological burden of an anonymous correspondent threatening suicide while managing his unexpected role in the local Mystery Plays. The narrative follows the friction between the two detectives as they investigate a local builder linked to mysterious disappearances, forcing them to reconcile their conflicting investigative methods within a small-town setting.

This novel is widely regarded as a high point in the long-running series, noted for its intricate plotting and the depth of its character development. Critics have frequently highlighted the author's ability to balance the procedural elements of the mystery with the evolving personal lives of the protagonists. The inclusion of the Mystery Plays provides a thematic layer that elevates the narrative beyond a standard police procedural. Readers often point to the sharp dialogue and the authentic portrayal of the tension between the two lead detectives as key strengths of the work. The book remains a significant entry in the genre, demonstrating the author's command over complex, multi-layered storytelling.