When Detective Superintendent Andy Dalziel witnesses a bizarre murder across the street from his own back garden, he is quite sure who the culprit is. After all, he's got to believe what he sees with his own eyes. But what exactly does he see? And is he mistaken?
Peter Pascoe, back after a long period of convalescence, thinks he is. But, from experience, he’s wary of pushing the point.
Dalziel senses the doubters around him anyway which only strengthens his resolve—and his pigheadedness. To make matters worse, he's being pestered by an anonymous letter-writer, threatening suicide. Worse still, Pascoe seems intent on reminding him of the fact.
Meanwhile, the effervescent Eileen Chung is directing the Mystery Plays for the local theatre group. And who does she have in mind for God? None other than the Super himself. He shouldn't have too much difficulty acting the part...