When the body of a theology student is found on a desolate stretch of coast in East Anglia, his wealthy father demands that Scotland Yard re-examine the verdict of accidental death. Commander Adam Dalgliesh reluctantly agrees to visit the young man's theological college, St Anselm's - a place he visited as a boy. He expects no more than a nostalgic return to old haunts and a straightforward examination of the evidence.

Instead, he finds himself embroiled in intrigue, secrets and mystery as the college is torn apart by a sacrilegious and horrifying murder . . .