The wedding bells ring out as Peter Pascoe finally walks down the aisle with Ellie. An Autumn Shroud sees the happy couple off on their honeymoon - leaving Detective Superintendent Andy Dalziel with no one to torment.

The lure of Lincolnshire - the wedding location - appeals and Dalziel sets off a holiday of his own. But it seems he just can't get away from death and intrigue. A flooded road, a stranded car - and his only means of rescue turns out to be a funeral flotilla passing by! The deceased is one Conrad Fielding whose beautiful widow Bonnie offers Dalziel a port in the storm until his car is mended. But all is far from well at the Fielding's beautiful but debt-laden country home Lake House