When Gary Vickers is finally released after serving fifteen years for the murder and rape of Stacey, he returns to Helmsdale with one thing on his mind: finding the person who really killed her. Detective Inspector Mike Nash is assigned to protect him, but Vickers has no intention of simply keeping his head down. He is convinced that evidence proving his innocence is hidden somewhere in his old family home—and that someone is desperate to find it first.
Meanwhile, Helmsdale is becoming increasingly dangerous. A wave of violence against migrants follows inflammatory political speeches, while an arsonist and violent criminals threaten to push the town towards chaos. After Vickers's house is targeted again, Nash discovers that the attacks may be connected to the secrets Vickers has spent fifteen years trying to uncover.
As Nash races to protect Vickers and prevent him from taking justice into his own hands, the investigation becomes increasingly personal. Someone wants Vickers dead, and the truth about Stacey's murder may be far more shocking than anyone imagined.