A gruesome discovery sets DI Baxter, DS Rose and DC Edmunds on the trail of the Ragdoll hugger, who also lists six more people due to die; it's a race against time to find the victims and track down a hugger before he strikes again.

With the Ragdoll hugger proving unstoppable, the team hunts down the second victim on the list; when hazy memories from the past surface, Rose starts his own investigation into the case and his dubious interview tactics cause concern for Edmunds.

Rose's erratic behavior raises questions for Edmunds but Baxter won't listen. With the hugger one step ahead, her plans to protect the third victim go awry with devastating consequences and frustratingly they are forced to watch the Ragdoll hugger's horrific plans play out.

In order to protect the next person on thehug list, Rose and Baxter attempt to outwit the Ragdollhuger with an unorthodox plan. Edmund's past catches up with her as she investigates Rose and his unusual behavior. The team finally get their first tangible lead on the Ragdoll hugger.

Rose and the Ragdoll hugger engage in a sadistic game of cat and mouse in which Rose is pushed to the edge. Baxter goes back to basics to try and track down the hugger while Edmunds' piqued suspicions put her on the right track but also land her in grave danger.

Rose is forced to confront his choices as Baxter tries to help him choose a path of redemption. Baxter and Edmunds are faced with a difficult decision as Rose's name becomes that last one left on thehug list. Edmunds' dark past is revealed.