An escaped convict flees the country, never to be seen again. An aging rock star on the brink of a new career commits suicide. A talented young ballet student boards a train in London and never arrives at her destination.
The last time they met, Kathy Raven threatened to kill DI Crombie. But when her half-sister disappears a distraught Kathy begs for his help. The girls’ father recently took his own life and although Marnie’s known as a wild child, Kathy is convinced nothing would stop her sister from attending his funeral. No way is Crombie getting involved. The entire Raven clan are madder than a sack full of cats. But then a senior Home Office official rocks up on his doorstep, along with a fish and chip take-out and an offer he can’t refuse. It turns out Kathy has information they want … badly. Kathy wants her little sister back. Both regard Crombie as their best hope. But Crombie’s mind is already made up. His initial refusal was knee jerk. A vulnerable young woman is missing. It’s his job to find her. However, hopes fade when a search of the countryside surrounding the Raven’s family home uncovers a shallow grave. Except Kathy doesn’t seem terribly concerned … almost as though she expected the corpse of her fiancé to be discovered. Almost as though she’s playing a game using her sister as bait and everyone else as expendable pawns. If Marnie’s safety is the prize; Crombie intends to win, even if it means tearing up the rule book.