Missing! Ten small wooden boxes, each weighing 25 lbs., each worth five thousand pounds. Several people are interested in the location of these boxes.

Why should anyone steal a security van, disguise it as a plain van and drive it out to a deserted place in the countryside? And why blow a neat hole in it when there's nothing inside anyway? Could it be a dress rehearsal?

A line drawn by time; a curious parallel; two thieves with a twisted sense of humour - would these be the ingredients of a recipe that would keep Barlow and Watt awake at night?

DI Hawkins finds himself in the seat of authority - and very uncomfortable it is too. A dangerous and unidentified criminal is at large and CC Cullen demands crisp and confident action. Is Hawkins capable of responding to the challenge of adversity?

A parked car in a lonely road - but when it's in the same place two nights running Snow's curiosity is aroused.

Sgt. Jackson is very good at statistics, but this time his conclusion is a matter of practical detection. But can he be right? John Watt doesn't think so.

Charlie Barlow is well known for playing his cards close to his chest. But this time he's on the receiving end - from DCS Allan.

As a result of going to the assistance of one of his officers, Chief Constable Cullen finds that he is in great need of assistance himself.