A working class man, distraught at the recent death of his father, impulsively becomes a skinhead and murders a Pakistani shopkeeper over a perceived insult.
As Albie continues his merciless killing spree, Fitz is brought in to investigate, realizing that Albie is actually an ordinary citizen gone wrong, and the murder of DCI Bilborough tragically proves this.
Joanne Barnes dies in the hospital following her ordeal with the Trants, and one of Michael Trant's factory workers, Dean Saunders, is framed for the murder.
Floyd Malcolm, following apparent advice from Fitz, turns from serial rape to murder. At the same time, Penhaligon's rape puts a strain on her relationship with Fitz.