Gil Mayo is just getting used to his new role as detective superintendent when he is faced with solving the violent murder of Jack Lilburne. Lilburne, who had spent a long and distinguished career in the Prison Service, was reputed to be a just and humane Governor of Conyhall Young Offender's Institution. But not everyone believes he deserved the honor and respect universally given to him. At least one of the young criminals who had been under his care had sworn vengeance for his imprisonment. However, when a second murder occurs, Mayo and his partner, Abigail Moon, soon discover that there are others who cannot be ruled out as suspects.