In Glasgow, DCI Jim Taggart and DS Peter Livingstone investigate the murder of a young blonde. Her body was found by a footpath along the water. Before the investigation is over, they've found more bodies and examined several suspects.
A group of kids discover a third body, one that predates the other two, Taggart is now hunting for a serial killer. Frustrated by a lack of progress, the locals take matters into their own hands.
After the baby nephew of the man he falsely accused for the murder of his wife is kidnapped, DCI Taggart finds himself eager to help despite the protestations of both the baby's parents and his boss.
Eleanor Samson, an opera star, is Taggart's main suspect in the murder of her husband's mistress. Meanwhile, a local publican blackmails a youth into murdering his wife.
Keith and Jimmy plan Lily's murder but it all goes hideously awry. Taggart faces off against both Peter and McVitie when he decides Eleanor is innocent. John finds out that Graeme, his son, was having an affair with Kirsty.
After her father dies, Eleanor Samson seems to be set to inherit his fortune but then another claimant shows up with a previously unknown will signed by two recently murdered people.
