Wycliffe gradually recovers from his injuries and begins to take on cases again. Whilst trying to solve a number of particularly complex murders, he is also forced to defend his reputation as photographs sent to the police threaten his good name.
In a police nursing home, Wycliffe ponders the future after the attempt on his life. Meanwhile, Kersey investigates a salmon poacher's suspicious death. Acting DCI Lane is tempted to move on and up.
A prostitute tells Kersey that a customer has killed one of her colleagues.
The wife of one of Kersey's friend goes missing after an evening class and the tutor is found murdered.
A climber dies after a cliff fall and a witness claims that his climbing partner is responsible.
A Policeman is murdered and orders Wycliffe to avoid any scandal made difficult by the Officers wife was having an affair with another Officer.
Wycliffe is accused of taking bribes and is suspended.