Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott are at odds following Robin’s wedding to Matthew, but there’s no time to mull over the new distance within their professional relationship, as a frightening visit from a potential client puts a new case on the table - and Robin and Strike set to work looking into reports of a strangled child.

A startling discovery seems to confirm the story of the strangled child, but the team are forced to leave the scene before they can properly investigate. Fearing their witness is in danger, they redouble their efforts to find him.

Robin discovers a startling truth close to home. The government minister’s blackmailer becomes the prime suspect in the case, but Robin and Strike believe there was an accomplice.