When a corpse is discovered in an Afro-Caribbean neighbourhood of London, the controversial subject of racism in the police force rears its head. DCI Tennison is called in to head a sensitive enquiry into how the corpse came to lie in its burial place. The investigation uncovers a complex web of events and Tennison is required to use her powers of ingenuity, courage and compassion as she faces the political disapproval of her colleagues.