Prior to assuming his new role with a different constabulary Danny Maik has taken a holiday in Singapore to reconcile with an old friend Guy Trueman. When a street brawl turns deadly Danny is facing a charge of manslaughter but when evidence emerges that he may have planned the victim's murder Maik is looking at the death penalty. Back in Norfolk Maik's replacement is trying to resurrect his career after an earlier serious error. At first the signs are promising. His astute observations turn the apparent suicide of a local pheasant farmer into murder. DI Domenic Jejeune should be monitoring his new charge but he is too distracted by Danny's plight. Others are watching though and they are disturbed by what they're seeing. With the situation heading to a deadly climax Domenic must decide where his duty lies.

Part of the Birder Murder Mystery series.