 Detective Chief Inspector Jane Tennison is in charge of the investigation to uncover a serial rapist/murderer. Even before Jane takes the case, there is a prime suspect. If he is guilty, can enough admissible evidence be gathered to convict him? If he is innocent, who is committing these crimes? Her job is complicated by the hostility of her staff towards a woman boss. In particular, she crosses swords with Sergeant Bill Otley, whose hostility threatens to cross over the line to obstruction. Jane also must deal with how her growing obsession with the case is damaging her relationship with her boyfriend.