Abstract: Painter and photographer Rose Trevelyan has been commissioned to paint the portraits of two sisters who have tucked themselves away in a remote farmhouse on Bodmin Moor. At first Rose believes they are only eccentric recluses. But Rose's curiosity is aroused when she learns that two of the pupil's relatives have disappeared. She meets the family, hears their story and she begins to wonder if one of the missing pair has been murdered. DI Jack Pearce, Rose's sometime lover, refuses to take her seriously, until Rose manages to provide proof. Rose perseveres and soon uncovers secrets that the family of her talented protege would rather she had left alone.