It's Inspector Banks second big case after arriving in the north from London; could it be any more difficult than 'Gallows View?'
The body of a well-liked local historian is found half-buried under a drystone wall near the village of Helmthorpe, Swainsdale. Who on earth would want to kill such a thoughtful, dedicated man? Penny Cartwright, she's the beautiful folk singer with a mysterious past, a shady land-developer, Harry Steadman's editor, and a local thriller writer are all suspects - each is a figure from Harry's previous, idyllic summers in and around Helmthorpe. There's also a young girl, Sally Lumb, who seems to know more than she lets on. Her knowledge could lead her into danger.