When an illegal immigrant is found murdered in a bleak Edinburgh housing scheme, Inspector John Rebus finds himself drawn into a case far from routine. As he delves into the city's shady underworld, he must navigate the closed doors of a defunct police station and resist pressure to retire. Alongside the main investigation, Rebus encounters a heart-wrenching side case involving a missing teenager and a web of dark secrets. Meanwhile, Siobhan Clarke faces her own challenges as the mysterious discovery of a woman and infant's skeletons prompts more questions than answers. In 'Fleshmarket Close', Rankin weaves a complex tale of corruption, love, and deception, where every alley could lead to danger or a critical clue.