The first episode see Dalziel picking up his once sociable roots - and returning to Wetherton Rugby Football Club where he is still a member. But his visit is not sparked off by a desire to down a few friendly pints in the bar. Connon the club's star player - he was tipped to play for England before an ankle injury wrecked his chances - has returned home from Saturday's match dazed and confused after a deliberate blow on the head in the confusion of a scrum.

Still groggy, he goes to lie down leaving his wife Mary watching television. Some time later when he descends the stairs he finds her sitting in exactly the same position. There is just one difference - a neat, round and lethal hole in her skull. Has Connon killed his wife suspecting that she had ben unfaithful? Or could someone at the club have it in for the rugby star and his family?

Pascoe is back on familiar territory when he is called to Holm Coltram University, along with his straight-talking, mickey-taking boss, the formidable Detective Superintendent Andy Dalziel.

But it is not the groves of academe that are calling to Dalziel, it is the lure of the unearthed body of a mystery middle-aged woman - buried underneath a statue commemorating the late head of the college.

For Pascoe the discovery of the remains at the university gives him the chance to meet up once more with Ellie who is a lecturer there. The couple's relationship looks like it's ripe for renovation. The university campus becomes a temporary headquarters for Dalziel and Pascoe as they set up their office in the Principal's study. They soon learn that all is not as it seems at this seat of learning

Dick Elgood, an old fiend of Dalziel's, unofficially reports two strange incidents which nearly kill him and asks Dalziel to investigate. The subsequent investigation by him and Pascoe exposes a chain of bizarre, accidental deaths stretching back nearly three decades but not a single shred of evidence to suggest foul play! Each of the, seemingly unconnected, deaths have somehow or other benefited Patrick Alderman even though it could not be proven that he had any connection to the deaths. The trail leads to Penny Highsmith, an old flame of Dalziel's, but goes cold when she is shown not to be involved. The case is eventually closed with the death, in mysterious circumstances, of Dick Elgood, the victim of yet another weird accident.

Andy Dalziel is sole witness to the murder of his neighbour but has a hard time finding the evidence to convict the man, Philip Swain, he is convinced is guilty.