Plot

Someone puts Barnaby in the frame in the murders of two rival photographers and is ordered to stay home on virtual house arrest.

DCI Tom Barnaby himself becomes the prime suspect when amateur photographer Lionel Bell is found death in the woods of Luxton Deeping because of a photograph showing Barnaby kissing Bell's estranged wife, who is an old girlfriend of his. Furthermore Barnaby's fingerprints are on a wine glass at Bell's home, an entry in Bell's diary names Barnaby as his guest the evening before his death and Barnaby has no alibi for neither that evening nor the time of the murder. The case is taken over by the unpopular detective inspector Martin Spellman who does not believe that the evidence against Barnaby is fabricated. More deaths occur while Barnaby conducts his own, unofficial investigation to clear his name—Carsten Pedersen

After Barnaby attends a photo exhibition by Luxton Deeping's traditional analog photography society, where Steve Bright, leader of the digital rivals, made a scene, traditionalist Lionel Bell is garroted, with a digital card stuffed in his mouth. Barnaby is side-railed after a probably digitally doctored picture appears showing him kissing an ex from decades ago, which also puts him near the domestic doghouse. Ben must now officially assist haughty new detective inspector in charge Martin Spellman, who is collecting wedding gifts, informally keep Barnaby informed for his parallel investigation and attempt to prevent the bosses clashing. Analog photo-shop owner Headley Madrigal ignores that club deputy Eddie Carfax and even his own son Seb are tempted by digital technology, and erotic modeling organized in the rival club. The second victim is Steve Bright, with a film roll in his mouth. Barnaby and Ben are barely time to prevent a third one and save Tom's reputation.—KGF Vissers

The battle between traditional film and modern digital photographers becomes far too personal for Tom Barnaby when he becomes the prime suspect in a murder. Lionel Bell is a member of the former group that has recently banned digital photographs from the local photography competition. He's had recent run-ins with Steve Bright, a digital photographer who seems to go out of his way to make the traditionalists miserable. When Bell is found strangled however - with a digital memory card in his mouth - Barnaby becomes a suspect when it is revealed that he and Bell's estranged wife once dated. Barnaby's name is also found in the dead man's diary as someone who was to visit him the previous evening. With the case now assigned to DI Martin Spellman, whom Barnaby dislikes, Tom finds himself on the sidelines but not without an interest in clearing his own name. A second murder once again points to Barnaby and it's clear that someone is going to extraordinary steps to frame him. An infatuation is at the root of it all.—garykmcd