This story, set in the North East of England, is based on the myths and legends of the region that are still held with great pride in the hearts of the people. A man metal-detecting for treasure in the countryside, another who has just lost his family in a tragic incident, a student who has drowned in the River Weir and a young man's disappearance - all seemingly unlinked contracts yet chained together in a fight against one gang that is set to alter their lives in the most heinous manner. The Discrete Detective Agency finds itself under serious threat from the leader of the gang they only know as the Collector. Sue, a Goth and necromancer and employed by the detective agency, is hard on the Collector's trail. She is lured away in order to save a friend's life and goes to confront the gang alone. Jane, the agency secretary, becomes aware of the dilemma Sue soon finds herself in; and Alex, the agency manager, is misdirected away from the unfolding climax but soon discovers the truth and races back to join the battle against their evil rival. Will Jane and Alex succeed in saving Sue and all the trapped souls from the grasp of the Collector? Does the Collector have more ghastly tricks up his sleeve for the agency?