Zenith Productions.

Inspector Morse uncovers a web of intrigue, blackmail and hidden passion in a local insurance office, when he investigates the death of a young secretary.

An Englishwoman is attending an expensive psychotherapy course near Vicenza, Italy when she dies in a freak accident. The Italian verdict is accidental death, but the woman's husband questions the decision. Morse and Lewis are sent to Italy where Morse discovers that the psychotherapy centre is run by an old adversary.

A precious jewel known as The Wolvercote tongue is missing and its owner has been found dead in a hotel room. Morse suspects foul play, despite the pathologist's report that she died of a heart attack.