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

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.

Memories of a case fifteen years before are revived for Dalziel when an eight year old girl is found murdered in a local beauty spot. Meanwhile Pascoe has other things to worry about when his daughter falls ill with meningitis.

Dalziel gets a phone call from an old flame, Stella, who needs someone to talk too as her marriage is falling apart. She had a row with her husband, Frank and he believes she is unfaithful Dalziel goes round to the pub they own and gets confronted by the husband, who has a gun from his army days. He takes Dalziel and the other people in the pub hostage.

Dalziel tries to keep everyone calm while Frank starts to crack under the stress.