DC Anna Travis is reunited with the inimitable DCI James Langton to face her most challenging and terrifying case yet. When the body of a young woman is discovered by the Thames, sadistically mutilated, it seems to be a shocking re-enactment of the infamous Black Dahlia murder which occurred in 1940s Los Angeles. Then a journalist comes forward with cryptic clues allegedly sent from the killer, and Travis faces a tough test of judgement.