When MP Hugh Blakemore is shot dead in the Fulham Road, DCI Harry Brock and DS Dave Poole are assigned to the case. Months previously, Blakemore killed an inmate when visiting a prison, and although Blakemore was exonerated, Brock is convinced this is a revenge killing.

In an investigation with more ups and downs than fairground ride - and more lies than a villain's alibi - the MP's widow, her ex-husband and their daughter all play starring roles, along with a motley crew of actresses, American gangsters and criminals. And, along with murder, blackmail and corruption are in the air . . .