Retired Oxford don Charles Roker lives quietly with his beloved wife Nina in the peaceful Devon seaside village of Ivysands. One summer evening, a group of young men lay siege to their house, and while Charles goes out to confront them, Nina is murdered by an intruder. Devastated, Charles turns for help to his granddaughter Faye Douglas and her friend, troubled former soldier Stuart Dunn. With Stuart's help, Faye begins to investigate her family history, and soon uncovers secrets that may endanger both their lives.