As DI Helen Weeks grapples apprehensively with pregnancy, she is compelled to return to her loathed rural home town where two girls have been abducted, and the man arrested is married to Helen's childhood best friend.

Helen and Paul are joined by pathologist friend Phil Hendricks as they become further embroiled in the abduction case. The clock is ticking to find Poppy alive and clear Bates's name, but to Paul's vexation, Helen seems increasingly disturbed by being in Polesford.

A gangland shooting has tragic consequences, and Helen is plunged into a murder investigation in Manchester's criminal underworld, forcing her to question everything she holds dear.

Helen's investigation pulls her further into Manchester's criminal underworld. Meanwhile, can Theo cheat death as the gang continues to be hunted by a mystery gunman?