On a deserted seashore, the body of a student from St. Anselm’s theological college is found. The wealthy father insists on a thorough investigation into the circumstances of his death. Commander Adam Dalgliesh, who has taken on the case, learns about new tragedies. An archdeacon who intended to close the college was brutally murdered; the archdeacon’s sister was thrown down the stairs.
But what are the motives of the criminal who commits evil within the walls of one of England’s most respectable educational institutions?
Soon, Dalgliesh understands: both teachers and students have something to hide…