A tattooed corpse unearthed by summer rains ignites a search for a hidden literary secret. When a bizarrely tattooed body is discovered on a Lake District hillside, it stirs ancient local legends of Fletcher Christian's supposed return from Pitcairn. Wordsworth specialist Jane Gresham, a native of the area, becomes entangled in the mystery, driven to uncover whether a hidden manuscript detailing Christian's story, allegedly penned by William Wordsworth himself, ever existed and if it still survives.

The novel is recognized for its intricate plotting, blending contemporary crime with historical intrigue. Critics have noted Val McDermid's skill in weaving together the mystery of the unearthed body with the legend of Fletcher Christian and William Wordsworth. The setting of the Lake District is often highlighted as a crucial element, adding atmosphere to the unfolding events. Readers and reviewers generally praise the novel's ability to keep them guessing until the very end, appreciating the dual nature of the investigation.