DI Carl McCadden's latest investigation

uncovers the perversion and corruption beneath the placid surface of life in Waterford

The Belview Guesthouse overlooks the city of Waterford. Popular in theatrical circles, it takes the discovery of a woman's naked body, bludgeoned and flayed and tangled in blood-soaked sheets in one of the bedrooms to bring Inspector McCadden to the residence.

But before he's had time to dig out his copy of Hamlet another body is found in similar circumstances across town in Gracedieu. Before long, McCadden finds himself plunged into the murky world of amateur Players, 'home-movie' makers and the local alternative comedy circuit . . .