DCI Shefford dies suddenly whilst investigating a murder case. Jane Tennison is given the opportunity to take over the 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. Jane suspects that it is the work of George Marlow. Jane also has to win the respect and approval of her male colleagues.

The investigation continues.

The body of a teenage girl is found and the investigation leads Jane into a community who distrust the police. Jane has recently had an affair with DS Bob Oswalde and he is assigned to the case. David Harvey confesses to the murder but neither Jane or Bob believe him. Bob is convinced that it is really the girl's young neighbour Tony Allen. Together they are able to discover who the real murderer is.

The investigation continues...

Transferred to a new station with the new job of 'cleaning up the streets' of Soho, DCI Jane Tennison and her new team become involved in the seedy underworld of vice involving rent boys and transvestites, pornography and sickening abuse.

A local photographer is questioned after being caught destroying evidence linking him with the victim, and further searches of his studio reveal some shocking video evidence.

Following her promotion, Jane Tennison returns to Southampton Row to head an investigation into the murder of a young child.

DS Tennison travels to a residential commuter suburb to investigate a murder which has been staged to look like suicide.

Detective Superintendent Jane Tennison finds her private and professional life in tatters when a series of murders lead to her old adversary, George Marlow.