John River is a respected police officer haunted by the murder victims whose secrets he must uncover. Struggling to come to terms with the recent loss of a close colleague, River chases a potential suspect across London, with tragic consequences. In his fragile mental state, he comes under increasing pressure both from the press and within the police force as calls for his dismissal grow. Meanwhile, the mother of a murdered teenager is growing increasingly desperate - the boyfriend has confessed but no body has been found, and she blames River for failing to make good on his promise to find her daughter.