Lynley and Havers are catapulted into the bizarre world of internet vice when they investigate the mysterious and brutal death of Emily Proctor, a young female barrister. As they peel back the layers of her life, they discover that she left her job at Tony Wainwright's Chambers four months ago and has been working for her elder sister Lisa's online entertainment porn channel. Further enquiries lead them to investigate one of the punters, Robert Tanner, who had contacted and threatened her, claims of child abuse in the Proctor household, and the death of Wainwright's former fiance. While Lynley comes up against his Nemesis - a tough barrister and the victim's lover, Havers is visited by her mentor, retired detective Robert Mills, whom she hasn't seen for 15 years. She confides in him about the case, but soon realises that his involvement is not all it seems. Meanwhile, Lynley rekindles his relationship with Helen. and Havers also finds romance - with DC Nkata.