Returning to work after an extended leave of absence, DC Hazel Best's first task is to shadow TV historian Oliver Ford, who has arrived in Norbold to open a new museum. What should have been a routine assignment takes a decidedly dramatic turn however when Hazel saves Ford from a murderous attack that would appear to be an act of jihad. But why would someone fly thousands of miles to firebomb an obscure little museum in a quiet English village? Hazel can't help thinking there's more to this case than meets the eye.

Meanwhile, Hazel's friend Gabriel Ash and her lodger Saturday are growing increasingly uneasy at Hazel's developing relationship with Oliver Ford. Though neither of them can guess the real danger that Hazel - and not only Hazel - faces, nor the direction from which it comes.