When a dead body is discovered in a house near the university Detective Chief Inspector Jack Hogan and his team are left baffled by the viciousness of the assault. And with very little to go on the questions quickly mount up. But when another victim turns up with the same distinguishing mark etched on their skin - one that links the victims to an anarchist group - it becomes clear that a depraved and calculating serial killer is at large. With the murderer always one step ahead time is of the essence and DCI Hogan must act fast before another life is taken.