A troubled young man asks private detective Cormoran Strike to investigate a murder he believes he witnessed as a child. In the meantime, Robin goes undercover to look into a blackmail case that involves a member of Parliament.
Strike and Robin discover evidence that supports the young man's story about the death of a child who was strangled, but they are forced to leave the crime scene before the investigation can be completed.
As Strike and Robin continue their missions, the blackmail case develops into an investigation into a mysterious death.
After separating from her husband, Robin suffers from recurring panic attacks, but she is still able to confront the killer and uncover the circumstances of the crime, while events reveal many surprises.