When someone in the town of Haughton batters Trisha Stanton Smith into oblivion, drenches her house in petrol and drops a match, the obvious suspect is her ex-husband, who abused her mercilessly throughout the marriage. Despite his claim of an alibi, Piers Stanton Smith goes to prison for life.
Detective Inspector Barry Dugdale, who investigated Trisha's murder, had his own reasons for wanting Stanton Smith in prison. Two years later, when the alibi evidence is unexpectedly confirmed and Stanton Smith's conviction quashed, Dugdale and two colleagues are accused of corruption, and suspended from duty.
Superintendent Michael McKenna is charged with investigating whether or not Dugdale deliberately suppressed vital evidence. He is pursued by a journalist championing Stanton Smith's cause; feared by the police whose fate he holds in his hands; eluded by the reclusive daughter of Haughton's most notorious prostitute; and tormented by the Roman Catholic parish priest. Unravelling lies, mischief and the patterns of love and hatred, McKenna finally uncovers the truth behind a cloak of shameful secrets.
