Two men discreetly leave the Mad Badger, making their way to a bridge arching the River Dresal, far from prying eyes and inquisitive ears. Moments later, something bulky splashes into the swift black waters. One man returns to the pub's car park and drives into the murky English night. The river should have swept the body to the depths of the sea, but it did not. DCI Ravyn and DS Stark of the Hammershire Constabulary must solve a murder with scant evidence, obscure motivations and a witness who may not be telling the whole truth.