The local choral society is preparing for its Christmas Concert. A serial killer disposes of three sopranos. Virginia is away studying in Oxford, Mitchell becomes involved with a special constable who becomes the third choir victim. A 78 year old woman is murdered whilst staying temporarily in a residential home. A valuable she possessed has disappeared.
Police investigate the second-hand book business and family relationships.
Later the first victim's great grandson is drowned. Throughout the investigation Mitchell is in his DCI's bad books because Virginia is pregnant. An investigation into a drugs raid on a local chemist links up with the discovery of the body of a drama teacher by a group of charity walkers. Mitchell and Virginia are safely married and Browne is a proud grandfather. A rich single mother is found in a bus shelter with her throat cut.