Jimmy Bliss walked away from his job, his colleagues, and his friends. There was only one thing that would ever compel him to return. Now the police have received a kill list, and both Bliss and DI Penny Chandler are on it.

The reason for the threats lies in an unresolved case back in 2005, during which a spate of deadly arson attacks created an atmosphere of fear, anger, and resentment in the city of Peterborough. Bliss knows more about the original case than anyone, but his return to the Major Crime Unit is not universally welcomed.

But the team have no idea who the other targets are until the bodies start to drop, each in a style related to that 2005 investigation. Bliss must navigate his colleagues through myths, lies, and conspiracies, aware at all times that his life and that of his closest friend are also at stake…