DCI Vera Stanhope investigates the brutal murder of young physiotherapist, Lizzie Faulkner, gunned down at a luxury country retreat. For DS Joe Ashworth, the case brings him face to face with a part of his past he would rather forget. Local man, Robert Doran, was in the area shooting badgers at the time but denies any part in the killing, despite having a connection to Lizzie. In a story of betrayal, guilt and the need for atonement, Vera must move quickly to avoid another tragedy while Joe finally makes amends with the demons from his own past.

DCI Stanhope delves into the tangled past of extreme sports fanatic, Gideon Frane, when he plunges from a Northumberland cliff top in a ball of flames. An anonymous letter spelling ‘Burn in Hell' and a scan of files reveal a litany of stalking complaints and intimidation against an ex-girlfriend, Izzy Rawlins. As a former head boy, Headmistress Vivienne Ripman remembers Gideon as leader of a gang of ‘golden lads and girls'. But ex-girlfriend Manda Adelaide went missing after an attempted suicide and best friend Jamie Levinson has long since succumbed to drug addiction. Supported by DC Shepherd and the newly appointed DC Edwards, Vera and the team must track down Gideon's gang to uncover a lifetime of bullying and an unexpected story of tested loyalties and rough justice.