When wealthy landowner Gregory Lancaster's body goes missing on the night of his death, an intricate web of secrets and lies is exposed in the village of Little Malton. DCI Barnaby, DS Nelson, and new Forensic Pathologist Dr. Kam Karimore are drawn into a macabre world of body-snatching as they seek to identify the villain.

An international cycling competition goes through the village of Burwood Mantle and after the race leader is murdered, DCI Barnaby and DS Nelson find themselves involved in a competitive world of blackmail, bribery, and bloodshed where winning matters at any cost.