Christmas brings little peace to Helmsdale when Detective Inspector Mike Nash is drawn into a series of increasingly disturbing crimes. A house fire in the remote village of Gorton leaves two people dead, but what first appears to be an accident soon reveals signs of deliberate murder. The victims are connected to Dr Richard North, a secretive scientist whose work at Helm Pharm has attracted the attention of Military Intelligence.
As Nash investigates, he uncovers a terrifying conspiracy involving experimental drugs, government secrecy, military operations and the deliberate destruction of lives. North’s son is murdered, his daughter Jessica is kidnapped, and the police investigation is repeatedly obstructed by powerful forces determined to keep the truth buried.
Meanwhile, Sergeant Steve Hirst, devastated by the deaths of his wife and daughters, begins a dangerous mission of revenge. When he rescues Jessica and discovers the horrifying truth behind Helm Pharm, the two become unlikely allies.
Nash must expose the conspiracy before more people die—but powerful enemies will stop at nothing to protect their secrets.