Detective Inspector Rebus has been excluded from the events. His superiors think him too outspoken and unpredictable. But when a young politician falls from the ramparts of a castle, Rebus is called in to investigate. He must determine whether this is suicide, an accident, or murder.

Meanwhile, a past investigation into the death of a recently paroled rapist resurfaces when macabre clues are discovered in a place called Clootie Well. Also discovered there are clues to the deaths of other recently released felons. Rebus and his partner, Detective Inspector Slobben Clarke, must continue their investigations within the dangerous atmosphere of the city.

This is an excellent work of suspense where the reader isn't sure when the criminals are victims and the victims are suspects. The characters are well developed. Rebus is a complex character who is close to retirement, has no ambitions, and doesn't know what else to do with his life. The descriptions of Edinburgh are vivid and bring the city alive to the reader.