In the second John Tedesco mystery, following on from the acclaimed debut The Cage, we find a heartbroken Tedesco returning to Rhyminster to be confronted by the tragic death of a volunteer guide who fell from the cathedral tower in suspicious circumstances. The subsequent investigation sees Tedesco, his business partner Lynne Davey and Barker the border terrier become entangled in the murky web of local politics. Could the bitter selection process for the next MP provide the missing clue? Or does the answer lie in a long-forgotten tragedy which blighted the lives of a local family?

As Tedesco struggles with his own grief his TV reporter sister acquires an obsessive stalker, who just happened to be on a cathedral Tower Tour when the death occurred. What began as a simple accident investigation soon develops into Tedesco's most puzzling case so far.

When the Area Commander is warned off the inquiry, DCI Bloomfield immediately suspects political pressure at work, risking his own prospects as well as those of his colleague DS Julia Tagg when he joins forces with Tedesco and Davey.

Comforted by the support of his friends in the cathedral community, his soundtrack of singer songwriter classics, and the occasional glass of claret, can Tedesco raise his game to meet the challenge and bring closure to the family of the dead volunteer?