Retirement doesn't suit John Rebus. He's not made for hobbies and vacations. The work of a detective runs through his veins. So, when Inspector Siobhan Clarke asks for his help in a case, it doesn't take him long to decide.

Clarke is investigating the death of a prominent lawyer, whose body was found with a threatening note. On the other side of Edinburgh, Big Ger Cafferty - Rebus's old nemesis - has received an identical note and a bullet through his window.

Now, it's up to Clarke and Rebus to connect the dots and stop the killer...