Michael Hydinge has escaped from prison ten years after being arrested and convicted for murder and rape. This latest book in the Rochfield Mystery series opens with the breaking news of the escape. The mention of Hydinge's name transports DCI Sutherland back ten years to 1992 and the race to catch Hydinge before he strikes again. After he is caught and tried, and as he is led away Hydinge threatens to get even with Sutherland and his team. The book ends back in 2002 with Hydinge's escape and the showdown with Sutherland.