Henry Johnstone has retired from the police, but when he suddenly disappears his old colleague and friend, Inspector Mickey Hitchens, investigates.

Henry Johnstone has retired from his role as detective chief Inspector and is staying at the home of the late Sir Eamon Barry on the south coast, cataloguing and inventorying his extensive library. Until he suddenly – and inexplicably – vanishes. Mickey Hitchens, Henry’s old partner-in-crime, now an inspector himself, visits the house with his colleague, Sergeant Tibbs. The room Henry was staying in had eight unusual, curved windows, and the pair quickly uncover disturbing signs of a struggle, along with a blotter bearing the name of a man who was murdered five years ago. Is there a link between that case and Henry’s disappearance?

When Mickey finds Henry’s journal in the study, he learns that his old boss didn’t feel safe . . . but why? Can Henry be found and brought home safe and sound, or is it already too late?