Mid June 1967. Morse finds himself occupied with unexpected strife in his personal life - recruited by an old college mentor into investigating matters more suited to private eyes. Asked to monitor the movements of Lorimer's estranged younger wife, a natural spark between two vulnerable souls is struck. With change in the air, and a shakeup in Oxford's criminal underworld signalling an uncertain future, the young detective is set on a path that will ultimately lead to heartbreak.