Hubert St. John Langton is stepping down as Head of Chambers, Venetia Aldridge QC is looking to replace him on her way to becoming a judge. Unfortunately for Venetia, she has just ten days to live and many enemies.

Gary Ashe, who was acquitted of the murder of his aunt, has moved into the home of Venetia Aldridge's daughter Octavia. Dalgliesh discovers the murdered body of Mrs Carpenter, who blamed Venetia for getting off a killer in 1994.

Dalgliesh and Miskin learn that Mrs Carpenter had discovered Venetia Aldridge's body and may have been murdered for keeping something the killer wanted. Gary Ashe goes on the run taking Octavia Aldridge with him.