Harry Bosch, newly retired from the LAPD before they could fire him, now finds himself idling in the slow lane, spending his days restoring a classic 1950 Harley instead of chasing down murder suspects. Meanwhile, his attorney, Mickey Haller, sues the police department for forcing him out. But then Mickey tells Harry about one of his cases: a man accused of a brutal murder, who had no connection to the victim, and yet DNA evidence points to his guilt. Although he has nothing solid to support it, Mickey can smell a set-up - and he needs Harry to help him prove it. Though he is reluctant at first, Harry's old instincts soon kick in; and with the help of his former LAPD partner, Lucia Soto, he finds their investigation leading them towards the police department itself ...