The experiences of Danny Kavanagh, a 21-year-old gambler and womaniser, who leaves home and enters the dark soul and sexual quicksand of a small Lake District community.
The village is shattered by grief and guilt as it becomes clear that none of the children survived the rowing accident.
Danny tries to find the truth behind the tragedy of the three drowned schoolgirls.
Will Danny be found guilty at the inquest? Will the priest and Bernie consummate their relationship? As the village turns against the chef, all is revealed.