When DI Wesley Peterson is summoned to investigate a killing, he assumes that the case is a routine matter. But soon dark secrets start to emerge from the victim's past and Wesley realises that this cold-blooded murder is more complicated than he could have imagined. Archaeologist Neil Watson is meanwhile studying Sandrock, a ruined village from the First World War that tumbled into the sea.

Neil cannot shake the feeling that something is missing from his explorations: a cryptic clue that might be able to help Wesley solve his case. As more victims fall prey to a killer, Wesley fears his precious family are becoming a target. Just like the fallen village of Sandrock, Wesley will have to stand tall if he is to withstand the coming storm.