Paul Calvert returns to England from Australia, his engagement broken, his career wrecked. He seeks a new life in a quiet Dorset village. But he witnesses a savage mugging by young thugs, and in saving the victim makes enemies of the muggers. At the local golf club, where he takes a job, longstanding grudges surface, culminating in the death of a senior member. The police do not suspect foul play, but Paul has other ideas, and begins to make enquiries. He finds many suspects with motives for murder. Events take a sinister turn as Paul uncovers a fake antiques racket and is swept into a world of intrigue and danger - with his own life at risk. A murdered body is found near the golf course, shocking club members again. Then Paul receives a chilling threat: get out of the village within three days... or be killed.