When a researcher vanishes in the Peak District and a woman is found murdered in Hull, Detective Inspector Lynne Jordan must connect the disparate threads of a human trafficking ring to a potential serial killer. Jordan navigates the grim reality of illegal trade while attempting to locate the missing academic, Gemma Wishart. As the body count rises, the investigation shifts from a specialized police operation into a hunt for a predator operating in the shadows. The narrative follows a procedural framework, tracking the methodical police work required to uncover connections between the victims and the dark forces at play.

This novel is characterized by its gritty exploration of the intersection between organized crime and individual psychopathy. The narrative relies on a somber, atmospheric tone that emphasizes the bleakness of the crimes being investigated. Readers likely find the procedural elements grounded in the harsh realities of human trafficking, which adds a layer of social commentary to the suspense. The pacing is designed to build tension as the detective moves from a missing persons case to a series of murders, suggesting a focus on the methodical nature of police work.