DCS Palmer runs the Met's Serial Murder Squad in London with his 2nd in command DS Singh. An old comedian seeing out his career with end of pier summer shows and Xmas pantomimes is unaware that something in his distant past could now be worth a great deal of money. Others in the business are aware and determined to get their hands on it and stop it from becoming general knowledge, even to the extent of committing murder. Palmer has to unravel a twisted tale of sibling rivalry and an unknown offspring turning up with a claim to it. Then the killings begin.