As further bodies are found, the investigation becomes a hunt for a serial killer. Jane's personal life suffers as she tries to solve the case and win the respect and approval of her male colleagues, including DS Bill Otley. She later earns the respect of her team by locating and arresting George Marlow.

Jane Tennison is a Detective Chief Inspector assigned to Southampton Row Police Station in Central London. She is repeatedly passed over for major cases but, following the death of a Senior Investigating Officer, DCI Shefford, she is given the opportunity to take over his investigation which involves the brutal murder of a young girl. The girl's body has been badly mutilated, and her hands have been tied behind her back. Forensic evidence puts a suspect in the frame.