December 1860. With Christmas fast approaching, the last thing Inspector Colbeck needs is a complex case. As he wrestles with one crime, he is alarmed to hear of another - the abduction of Superintendent Tallis. Colbeck and Leeming find themselves raceing to solve a brutal murder before rushing to Kent in a bid to save the superintendent's life.

June, 1917. While another daylight air raid batters London, the body of respected businessman Gilbert Donohoe is fished from the Thames. Inspector Marmion struggles with the murder case alongside his anxieties for his now-missing son, Paul, but the pressure increases when the Metropolitan Police are the target of a series of vicious press attacks.

1861, East Anglia. When Mr Swarbrick, the man working to unify East Anglia's railway networks, is shot dead in a first class carriage, Inspector Colbeck is brought in to investigate. But as Swarbrick's reputation begins to crumble, questions arise: is this the act of a bungling burglar, a business rival, a disgruntled son, or a jealous lover?

1817. Clemency van Emden is startled by the news that her estranged father has died and engages twin detectives Peter and Paul Skillen to help her unravel the mystery of his last days. When his body is discovered to be missing from its casket, the twins embark on a chase of graverobbers, funerary agents and Good Samaritans to unearth the truth.

1861. It is Halloween and the special train steaming across the Lake District is renowned for its supernatural incidents. A fire and a disappearance make this journey no exception.

The village of Maldon is controlled by the Fitzcorbucion family, led by wealthy bully Hamo Fitzcorbucion, the lord of Blackwater Castle. When Hamo's son is found murdered, he demands justice and will stop at nothing to get it.

When there is a land dispute over Archenfield in Hertfordshire, Delchard and Bret are sent to settle it. But when the principle witness is murdered, things become less straightforward .