The actions of those who come before us cast a long shadow.... It is the beginning of winter on a small Scottish island. With the advent of the first winter snows, new born twins Isla and Seonaid go missing. The small dolls left in their place give rise to fear and suspicion in an already superstitious community. The finger of blame is firmly pointing at a young would-be nurse. Then an adult body is found, which throws the whole case into doubt. For the island's Detective Freya McNicol, this is the first big case she has had to deal with since fleeing her previous post in Glasgow. She must put her own feelings to one side as she and DI Andy Crawford join together to find the missing babies before it's too late.....