To everyone's surprise John Carlyle has been promoted to Commander. The new job comes with its own office a PA and a diary filled with meetings. Struggling to come to terms with his new responsibilities Carlyle finds his position threatened by investigative journalist Bernie Gilmore. Gilmore is digging into Carlyle's relationship with ex-drug dealer Dominic Silver and the pair's involvement in the killing of gangster Tuco Martinez. Carlyle hopes he can put Bernie off the scent but Dom favours more drastic measures. Meanwhile Carlyle's new boss Deputy Assistant Commissioner Michelle Mara wants him to help out mysterious 'security consultant' Gregory Cosneau. Pining for his old job Carlyle has to try and keep everyone happy or face losing everything.

Part of the The Inspector Carlyle Series series.