In the village of Thirksby the mine is being broken down to make way for a new hi tech factory. Protestors at the site storm the site and this leads to the uncovering of a skeleton, who has been there since the strikes of 84/85. The victim turns out to be a bent undercover cop, who was supposed to have run off with 250000 pounds meant for the strikers. Dalziels investigation opens a lot of wounds and awakens bad memories of the strike in both himself and the old miners. Peter Pascoe starts to doubt his superior as he researches Dalziels involvement 15 years ago. Dalziel sees his sister for the first time in 7 years but time has not improved their relationship. As the developer of the old mine is found murdered the secrets start to be revealed, opening some old wounds and causing some new ones.