Jane Cowan's abusive ex-husband has always tracked her down whichever town she lives in, whichever job she takes, whichever name she uses. However, now he is in prison for a long stretch, she feels brave enough to accept a promotion: she is to be headteacher of the Wrayford Primary School in Gloucestershire. While facing everyday battles from a lack of resources to teachers who are set in their ways, Jane encounters a persistent intruder on the school grounds. When the intruder turns violent, Jane herself is under suspicion. This time she will not be the prey but the pursuer. She finds unlikely allies in her quest for the truth, and finds personal reserves of strength she never imagined she had.