Skin is a work of art, a nest of capillaries, glands and nerves that both regulates and protects. It is our sensory interface with the outside world, the barrier at which our individuality - our self - ends. And even in death, something of that individuality remains... till suffering the physical and emotional effects of a near fatal attack, David Hunter takes a research trip to the Body Farm in Tennessee, the world famous facility where he first learned his trade as a forensic anthropologist. He wants to re-hone his skills after his enforced convalescence, but he also needs to prove to himself that he's still up to the demands of his work. Then he's contacted by an old friend who's investigating a sadistic murder. Bound and tortured, the victim s body has decomposed beyond recognition - far more so than it should be. Fingerprints found at the scene appear to identify the killer, but it quickly becomes clear that nothing about this case is as it seems. Despite misgivings about his readiness, Hunter is intrigued and agrees to help. However some resent his presence on the investigation and Hunter begins to wonder if this entire trip hasn t been a mistake. But then a second body is