Bacchus is dismissive when prostitute Tina Hall reports a fortnight old rape but when another girl is sexually assaulted and killed Gently is appalled to learn that inspector Walter Nunn had deliberately been dissuading rape victims from pressing charges. Matters are complicated because Bacchus is having an affair with Nunn's wife, bringing personalities into the case. The dead girl is identified and meek bus station attendant Stuart MacMillan owns to murdering her but Gently is not convinced. He is certain that Nunn frequents brothels himself and has his own reasons for the lack of police action whilst constable Rachel pursues her own line of enquiry with a likely suspect. Written by don @ minifie-1

Dr Valerie Cullen is found dead, holding a syringe, and colleague Dr Plant suggests suicide, telling Gently that she was depressed at the onset of motor neurone disease. Estranged husband Andrew, also a doctor, agrees but when he finds Valerie's office ransacked and her dog killed Gently suspects foul play with Andrew the likely culprit. Valerie was a popular visitor to Norman, an unofficial patient dying of emphysema contracted from working at an asbestos factory where Andrew was the medical officer. Given that other workers have also died Gently suspects that Valerie was attempting to expose criminal negligence at the factory and somebody was out to prevent her. At the same time Bacchus is thrilled to hear that he has been promoted to inspector but sad to learn that Gemma has gone back with Nunn and is moving to London with him. Written by don @ minifie-1

Mouthy Scott Parker noisily toasts his friend Petey at Petey's fortieth birthday party and next day is found dead. He had heavy debts due to his wife Jo's gambling addiction but Gently discounts suicide as Scott had plans for building development in the city, which failed financially. Michael Woodruff, a union leader and old school-mate of Scott and Petey, was amongst those opposing the plans and had publicly fought with Scott whilst Petey was one of the men to whom Scott was in debt. Gently believes that a supposedly friendly fight among the three men following the party holds the key to Scott's death. Meanwhile Bacchus gets to see Gemma again but is concerned that Gently has a health problem he is keeping from him. Written by don @ minifie-1

On Christmas Eve an armed gang rob the Tyne and Wear bank with machine-guns and soon afterwards the female getaway driver is found dead. Information leads Gently to a rough club frequented by a skinhead gang led by the violent Jonjo Burden but with insufficient evidence Gently cannot charge them so Rachel goes undercover and gets close to Burden. She suspects that another robbery is being planned and she is right but the police are unable to prevent it and her cover is blown. For Gently, now forced to admit to Bacchus that he has multiple sclerosis, the involvement of a colleague's widow and her young son both complicates and helps him clear up the case. Written by don @ minifie-1