DCI David Webb has always regretted being unable to like DCI Malcolm Bennett's second wife and hopes his friend is unaware of his feelings. However, Bennett's son and daughters from his first marriage are not so considerate and make no attempt to disguise their antipathy, which makes for a tense family atmosphere. Webb and Bennett have joined forces to solve a series of violent shop raids that are happening all over town. However, the crimes are soon overshadowed by events with a shattering effect. When two members of Bennett's family meet a violent death within the period of a week, Webb confronts the most traumatic case of his career.