Detective Superintendent Jane Tennison has a new case when a woman who is found to be an illegal Bosnian refugee is found dead.

Tennison travels to Bosnia where she makes a breakthrough, only to find her suspect is protected by the UK government.

Tony and Ruth Sturdy's 14 year old daughter Sallie is missing. Due to retire, this could be Tennison's last case: but she has more than this to contend with. Her father is seriously ill and she has turned to alcohol.

Curtis Flynn flees the scene of his brutal encounter with Tennison. As the end draws near the truth surrounding the death of Sallie finally emerges and the hunt for the killer ends in a shattering confrontation.