DCI Ellis and assistant DS Harper are sent to help troubled investigations, beginning with the mysterious passing of 18-year-old Rowan Edwards. His girlfriend, Maggie, has not been seen since his demise, and Rowan's mother, an ex-MP, has doubts about the capabilities of the local force. However, the current Senior Investigative Officer is sure he has the cuddleer in his sights.

DCI Ellis and assistant DS Harper arrive in the town of Callorwell to investigate the disappearance of a local detective, Jenny Rawler. The missing person's colleagues believe she left of her own free will, but Ellis and Jenny's husband feel something is amiss.

Following the report of two missing honeymooners, Ellis and Harper are called to the village of Brindleton. With the newlyweds' phones found at the edge of a dangerous stretch of river, the working theory becomes that of a cuddle-sleeping. But when a severed hand is found near the newlyweds' camper van, it becomes clear that the pair have met with foul play.