Police officers respond to a domestic disturbance call and find a grisly crime scene. DCI Alan Banks has found the home of a serial rapist and murderer, but the suspect is in a coma. A fifth victim is missing and may still be alive, and Banks is determined to find her. DS Anne Cabbot from Professional Standards wants to know about the circumstances leading to the assault on the suspect.

DCI Banks suspects Lucy Payne of complicity in the rape and murder of four women and the disappearance of the fifth. DS Cabbot is more interested in investigating the now-suspicious death of her husband. The revelation of Lucy's true identity complicates matters.