DCI Vera Stanhope is called to a quiet country lane where a young man has been found dead following a collision with a car. On closer inspection, it becomes clear that this is not an accident and is way more than a hit and run. Vera discovers that the victim is a popular market trader so heads down to his pitch to start to put together an idea of who our man is and ascertain why anyone would want him dead.
As the investigation gathers pace, Vera learns that our cheeky chappy was a complex character. Antagonistic, arrogant and able to get what he wants, but did all of this come at a price? Secrets. Lies. Betrayal. Fractious relationships and intense rivalries but who would want our barrow boy buried.
Okay, so we knew Joe was coming back but did not know he would now be a DI and acting like he was in charge and knew better than Vera, ordering her and the team around... ugh. And he's staying... can't say I'm that thrilled.
In fact, I much prefer Aiden.