When Sammy Starling, a former London gangster with a passion for collecting, discovers that his beautiful young wife is missing, he assumes old enemies in the police force are taking their revenge. Ten years ago Starling's evidence of police corruption put DI Marty Keller, an ambitious, clever young cop with everything to live for, behind bars. Now Keller is out. And getting even?
As investigations into Eva Starling's disappearance proceed, it's DCI David Brock who is now under suspicion of corruption. His team is disbanded and Detective Sergeant Kathy Kolla is unwillingly reassigned, reporting to the Fraud Squad, who appear almost pleased at Brock's official fall.
Kolla, unsuccessfully trying to come to terms with Brock's disgrace, needs to find out why nothing in this case seems to be making sense. What is the connection between Starling's absorption in philately and McLarren's obsession with the legendary forgers, Raphael and the Beast? How much do Toby and Helen Fitzpatrick, Starling's country neighbours, know about Eva's disappearance?
Using the tenacity, ingenuity and intelligence Brock is relying on, Kolla links the pieces in this puzzle of kidnapping, murder and revenge, and finds answers that no one is expecting.
