A violent street attack is investigated by DS John Rebus and new detective Siobhan Clarke. However, it's John’s family that pose unexpected problems, along with an awkward affair.

Hard-up Michael Rebus's rash act in Fife has bloody consequences for his brother John, who faces a fatal confrontation. Meanwhile, Siobhan finds out who stopped the street attack, and John confesses to contact with criminal Cafferty.

John is frustrated at family gatherings, unaware that the Cafferty and Christie rivalry is viciously escalating, with Michael at its heart.

Michael has motivation to kill Cafferty, as has John, while Darryl Christie tries retaliation, using Siobhan to help his plan.