Confined to a hospital bed, Inspector Morse discovers a long-forgotten case from the pages of history. In 1859 two men were wrongfully hanged for rape and murder. He intends to bring justice to the past.

"Morse is enjoying a rare if unsatisfying holiday in Dorset when the first letter appears in THE TIMES. A year before, a stunning Swedish student disappeared from Oxfordshire, leaving behind a rucksack with her identification. As the lady was dishy, young, and traveling alone, the Thames Valley Police suspected foul play. But without a body, and with precious few clues, the investigation ground to a halt. Now it seems that someone who can hold back...

Inspector Morse investigates the murder of a guest at a New Year's Eve costume party and finds that all of the suspects seem to have vanished.