Rescued by a family returning from a funeral, he goes with them to their home, Lake House, to dry off and phone a garage. But his plans are put on hold when April showers turn into a veritable flood and his car becomes waterlogged. Peter’s wedding has brought home to him his own lack of family, and he’s reached as high as he’s likely to go in his career. His plan is to drive around the countryside hoping to find enough of interest to keep him occupied, but in reality he’s feeling a little lost and even lonely.

Following newly-minted-Inspector Peter Pascoe’s wedding to Elly Soper, Detective Superintendent Andy Dalziel sets off on a little holiday.