When the corpse of Abigail Kirby is discovered, police are shocked to learn that the victim's tongue was cut out while she lay dying. Shortly after coming forward, a witness is blinded and murdered. Detective Inspector Geraldine Steel's flirtation with the pathologist on the case helps her to cope with the distress of finding out she was adopted at birth. Abigail Kirby's teenage daughter runs away from home to meet a girl who befriended her online. Too late, she realises she has made a dreadful mistake - a mistake that may cost her life. Detective Sergeant Ian Peterson uncovers a shocking secret about the serial killer who has been mutilating his murder victims. Does the sergeant's discovery come too late to save Geraldine Steel from a similar dreadful fate?