Demoted John Rebus is at a psychological crossroads. Involved in a toxic affair with the wife of his disabled former police partner and all but replaced in his daughter's life by his ex-wife's new wealthy husband, Rebus wonders if he still has a role left either as a family man or as a police officer. In a world of divisive politics and national deprivation, does the law still have meaning or is everyone reverting to an older set of rules? And if so, why shouldn't Rebus? A brazen daylight attack draws Rebus and his new partner into a gang war which escalates when Rebus's ex-soldier brother steals from a drug dealer. Rebus finds himself torn between protecting his brother and enforcing the law to bring him to justice. A fresh and thrilling offering in the high-end crime genre, with a globally recognisable character at the heart of the story.