The small island near Cornwall has long been chosen by wealthy people who want to relax at a prestigious resort in peace and quiet. But now the peace has been disturbed. The corpse of one of the inhabitants of the island, a famous writer, was discovered at the ancient lighthouse. Experienced investigator Adam Dalgliesh begins the investigation and finds out that the deceased was hated by literally all the inhabitants of the island. However, before Dalgliesh finishes interviewing witnesses, the mysterious criminal strikes another brutal blow...