Lindsay Gordon — investigative journalist, tenacious sleuth and unashamed lesbian — is facing a midlife crisis. Back in her native Scotland after a long absence, she has no job, no friends and no desire to even think about her girlfriend’s worrying preoccupations.

A chance encounter with freelance reporter Rory McLaren offers her an irresistible invitation to open a new chapter in her life. From there it is just a short step to political corruption and other juicy stories — all welcome distractions from Lindsay’s problems at home.

But when a local car dealer’s stepson is kidnapped, Lindsay and Rory trade journalism for detection. The trail leads them to St. Petersburg and a dangerous snatch-back operation that will test Lindsay to her absolute limits in every area of her life.