It is the week before Christmas and Dale Haynes is preparing to celebrate with his wife Hannah, but from the moment he runs into a young woman at the Marriott Hotel his life begins to spiral out of control. DI Sheila Grey is investigating the rape of a young Polish immigrant, Ania Gens, but when Gens is found hanging from a meat hook in an ancient convent, she finds herself hunting a viscious murderer. DCI Brian Thomas is struggling to hold onto his job and his marriage. His wife is threatening to return to London and he has a new boss, Superintendent Malan. A lifelong careerist with an acid tongue, Malan cares nothing for Thomas' problems. As the body count rises Thomas & Grey find themselves pitted against their most determined and ruthless adversary.