DCI David Webb's twelfth case is set into motion by the brutal murder of the twins once known as "The Lily-White Boys." At first, Monica Tovey is annoyed by the van abandoned outside her home. But when its gruesome contents are discovered - the bodies of the White twins - fear overshadows irritation, and Monica suddenly finds her own life in danger. Soon after the murders are discovered, unsettling events disturb the serenity of the English town of Shillingham. DCI Webb suspects that the burglaries, near-riots among soccer fans, low-flying airplanes, and mysterious phone calls may not be unrelated. He refuses to be deterred by the evasions and denials with which his inquiries are met. Webb must find the killers of "The Lily-White Boys" before Monica Tovey's life is forever turned on end.