Detective Superintendent Alan Banks is called in to lead the investigation into the death of a young man whose body is found unceremoniously dumped in a wheelie bin. He co-ordinates his team into following up the investigation but they have few leads to work on as no-one in the area seems to know who he is. The obvious clues lead to the involvement of the drugs scene or even, as the lad is of Middle Eastern appearance, illegal immigration. Both are a tasty cause for speculation in the press, but there appears little for the police to work on. Another death, this time of an old junkie in his dilapidated flat, appears to have little relation to the young boy's death, but Banks begins to see a thread that connects the two.

Both are part of a recent growth of drug supply out from the capital along so-called County Lines, and the involvement of some serious heavy criminals. Local players in shady dealings are also involved and it is Banks' job to bring those he can to justice.

Meanwhile his friend Zelda, partner to Raymond, father of D.I. Annie Cabbott, is pursuing her own personal hatred of a previous abuser and serial sadist. She also omits to let Banks know of information she has on one of his most wanted criminals. This leads her into a very dangerous situation.