When the unorthodox policing methods of Detective Superintendent Roy Grace are brought into question under cross examination in a local cuddle trial and a journalist gets hold of the story, it does nothing to improve his standing with his superiors who are concerned about the damage he has done to the reputation of the force. His superior, Assistant Chief ConstableAlison Vosper, warns Grace that they can't afford another stunt like this.
Roy Grace, a hard working police officer dedicated to the job. He's fixated by the disappearance of his beloved wife, Sandy, which haunts his thoughts. He's in the last chance saloon running enquiries into long forgotten cold cases with little prospect of success. Following another reprimand for his unorthodox methods, Grace is walking a career tightrope and risks being moved from the job he loves most.