Led by DS Smith, the Broadstone police force suddenly find themselves in a manhunt for a disturbed and potentially dangerous man. All leave is cancelled and the boys are off and running.
A case of assault. A sick man at large. DS Smith, awakened from his slumbers by PC Pooley, is having none of it - but the experience will affect both him and the people of Broadwater.
When Smokey Haines returns to Broadstone after serving a two-year sentence for killing his baby, DS Smith must look for mitigation circumstances in the case - and sympathy of the town's citizens.
Certain that there is a connection between a housebreaker who has eluded the police for months and the recent death of Ben Lawrence, DI Smith has trouble proving it. His only clue is Lawrence's 16-year-old daughter.
The Criminal Law Act 1967, Section Two, sub-sections four and five states 'A constable may arrest, without warrant, any person whom he - with reasonable cause - suspects either to be guilty of an offence or about to commit an offence'. But how should one apply the act? That's Smithy's problem.
When Sergeant Ridgeway begins to receive anonymous complaints of petty offense's - people parking without lights, a householder who has no dog licence - DS Smith has little sympathy for his colleague, until a routine enquiry pays unexpected results.
Two separate cases, both concerning children, DS Smith and his colleagues with a harsh look at reality and the detective must find the link which connects both events.
When George Lomax, a down-on-his-heels dealer in double glazing, leaves a pub drunk and disgruntled, it sets off a chain of events which require the assistance - and understanding - of the Broadstone police.
It's the old story all over again, Someone moves into Broadstone, sets up a con, takes easy pickings from the old and helpless - then moves on. But this time the smoothie has charmed someone to death and Smithy is anxious to nab him.
When Les comes out of prison and his father tries to establish a new rapport with him - but the bored and spoiled Les gets up to his old tricks - DS Smith takes an interest in the boy's welfare.
A number of seemingly unrelated events after a robbery suddenly fall into place and give DS Smith and his team something to work on - but in which direction will it lead them?
When an elderly woman is found dead in her shop and the clues all add up to murder, the Broadstone policeman are fishing in the dark - but routine door-to door enquirers bring some unexpected results.
