Having made a success of her first murder investigation, DCI Tennison continues her work at the Southampton precinct of the Metropolitan Police. In an atmosphere of artificially fueled race relations, Jane and her team investigate the disappearance of Simone, a young black girl. When bones are discovered buried on property rented by a white man from a black owner, Jane almost hopes it is Simone...but, it is not. A reconstruction shows the bones belong to a young girl of mixed race and Jane starts calling her "Nadine" until they know more. Her team investigates the renter and his family and the owner and his family...does anyone know more than is claimed? Will Jane's brief relationship with DS Oswalde, a black officer now foisted onto her team, jeopardize their progress?