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's words come back to haunt him, while his brother abducts drug dealer Darryl Christie and recruits ex-army comrades for a risky raid. John hears his paralysed former partner's confession.