A small island near Cornwall has long been favored by wealthy individuals wishing to relax at a prestigious resort in peace and quiet.
But now, the peace has been disturbed.
A corpse of one of the island's inhabitants — a famous writer — has been discovered in an old lighthouse.
Experienced investigator Adam Dalgliesh begins the inquiry and finds out that the deceased was literally hated by all the residents of the island.
However, before Dalgliesh completes the questioning of witnesses, the mysterious criminal strikes again with a new brutal attack.