Following the discovery of a flayed face in a local gallery, Chandler and Miles find themselves becoming involved in the contemporary art world.

In the sewers two workmen find the disembowelled corpse of young runner, Thomas Griffin. Dr. Llewellyn believes his killer removed his stomach and entrails. The next victim, Anne Ayres, is found in the same state as Thomas. Both were profiled by journalist Peter Dunn, at the same time urban farmer Josie Eagle is pursued by a sinister group.