A play about the law: those who keep it, those who break it and those who live off it. A Detective's Tale tells the detective's view of a crime. Detective Inspector Fred Pyle is determined to get a result following a bungled raid on a supermarket - even to the extent of 'fitting-up' someone, if it is in Pyle's interest to do so.

Solicitor Alex Gladwell, brought in to represent Jack Lynn, will use any means to get his client off.

Lynn is sent down, but rehabilitation is not on the agenda.