Over a year has passed since The Spatchcock Killer's reign of terror reached its blood-drenched conclusion, but DI Gutteridge is still haunted by memories of the case. With flashbacks of discovering his wife's mutilated remains twelve years earlier also plaguing his sleep, Gutteridge is beginning to find his corrupted life overwhelming.

But then a new crime scene materialises, one that threatens to contaminate his world even further. A crime scene that in every conceivable way seems to be a verbatim copy of one from a long way in his past. There is also a note pinned to the body, a note addressed to him.

Could one of Gutteridge's oldest and most terrifying nemesis be back in his world to reap revenge, or is there a copy-cat intent on riding the wave of The Shropshire Ripper's infamy? Increasingly aware that the pressures of his life are beginning to change him, will Gutteridge discover the truth and bring the killer to justice?