When the police discover the body of a man frozen in a meat truck, they think they have a case of people smuggling. The man had a false British passport in his possession and his death had similarities to a previous smuggling operation gone wrong. However the autopsy reveals that he was actually strangled. They also find a page from a Koran that proves to be extremely valuable. The Immigration authorities show little interest in Lynley and Havers' murder investigation. Lynley is under a great deal of stress, particularly with respect to his failed marriage and he is accused of stepping over the line with the result that he faces a disciplinary hearing over his conduct.